An Accidental – and extremely talented – Tourist
Blase Bova, St. Vincent de Paul’s director of operations and development has an energy about him. He makes good things happen fast for people in need. And he isn’t adverse to divine intervention either, or letting his journey guide him, so to speak.
“I came to St. Vincent de Paul and the Phoenix area quite by accident,” he says.
Blase never intended to stay in Phoenix when he first arrived and says he’s grown patient with the extreme heat over the years, having originated from Eugene, Oregon.
Admittedly eclectic, Blase’s method of travel to Phoenix was unconventional in nature. He built a reclining tricycle in 1996, sold everything he owned except a few possessions that fit in a box on back of his bike, and set out in search of adventure. He also developed self-efficient gear for his journey. A solar panel on the tricycle powered his laptop and camping gear, for example.
Blase was early into his tour of the U.S. in 1997, with plans to eventually cycle all continents, when he first peddled into town.
“I was on my way to Mexico and came through Scottsdale to see my parents who retired here. I’ve always been focused on helping others so it was a logical activity for me to volunteer at SVdP for a couple days.”
He was stationed at the front desk of the ministry for the homeless because they needed someone with computer skills who could speak Spanish.
A couple of days turned into a request from SVdP to stay for three months. Blase said yes with a goal to return to his tricycle trek at the conclusion of the three months.
It’s been over a decade since that “yes” and he still hasn’t climbed back on that bike.
Countless people could thank Blase for his years of service to the Society, whether they be appreciative staff members and clients, SVdP executive director Steve Zabilski, or homeless and working poor people who may not know Blase by name, yet have benefited from his generosity and ingenuity.
“Initially the job kept me here,” he explains. “I love getting thrown into the chaos and orchestrating a plan when many clients need urgent help. I am fortunate to get paid for what others volunteer to do. This of course isn’t downplaying our volunteers who are heroes many times over, yet to do what I do full time, making a living needs to be factored in and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul remains a very fulfilling career choice.”
Blase initially served in the homeless day services department, an intense environment due simply to its purpose of providing daily necessities to so many.
“It was just a couple staff members and I totally swamped on a regular basis, trying to help 120 clients or more each day with things like showers and clothing, transportation, and job training.”
In a short time, Blase was made director of the department and tasked to be creative and develop new programs to specifically help the homeless population in Phoenix.
A common thread in Blase’s leadership is compartmentalizing work so volunteers can jump in and quickly help clients rather than get bogged down in processes and extensive training. This alone allows for more efficient use of funds from generous donors.
“I’m always trying to find new ways to make the work more meaningful for people, so they see the positive affects of their efforts and keep returning to volunteer. We have such a need here in Phoenix. The more we can do sensibly, the more benefits we can spread around the area’s homeless and working poor families.”
While directing the day services department Blase met Gabriela, a volunteer who would become his wife. They married in Sedona, and in true Bova fashion asked a minister they met just that day to preside. The couple hiked to the top of a bluff, invited some hikers to be their witnesses and photographers, and since then, with their son Andres, have been a thriving family. Gabriela, by the way, is manager of volunteer services at St. Vincent de Paul. (See what we mean about divine intervention! 
These days, Blase serves as Director of Operations and Development at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix. His purview includes fundraising for the Society, managing food service programs and charity dining rooms, facilities, and special services for the homeless and working poor.
Amidst all this activity Blase and Gabriela remain focused on evolving their personal and shared mission.
“We not only want to serve the poor, but also let other people know they have this opportunity too . People can work together and make this a more just and fair world where everyone enjoys the basic necessities of daily life,” he notes.
Bova especially wants to bring this message to younger people.
“This next generation is at right place and right time to really change the world. People want to see a return on their volunteer efforts and we can measure this well now. People want to engage globally and instantly, and we can do this now too.”
We’re blessed to have Blase and his wife Gabriela as members St. Vincent de Paul’s staff. The Bova’s don’t rest long when so many people right here in our community are in need of living essentials … so stay tuned.
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I volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul and it is a joy to work with both Blase and Gabriela, the work they do and the energy they have is incredible. If you want to be inspired come down to St. Vincent De Paul and volunteer.