In a community hit by high unemployment, people who have never sought help before are turning to Rowan Helping Ministries. Rowan native Kyna Foster has been the executive director of Rowan Helping Ministries since July 2010. Foster said the agency will need a collaborative effort from the community, resources and great ideas to face its challenges.
What lies ahead for her, Foster said, is “finding the best ways to meet the needs in the community to help the homeless and prevent homelessness.”
Prior to coming onboard at Rowan Helping Ministries, Foster was employed for 10 years at Food Lion, where she held different positions, including assistant controller, forecasting manager and director of community affairs and customer relations.
She has also worked as corporate controller and director of support services for Tanner Companies in Rutherfordton; was an auditor with the public accounting firm McGladrey & Pullen; and was an advanced-accounting instructor for Gardner-Webb University’s adult night program.
Foster cares about people and has a passion for finding solutions to help those who struggle with life’s challenges.
Steve Drinkard, Rowan Helping Ministries board chairman, said the agency is one to watch because the needs of citizens are increasing at a rate never seen in Rowan County before. Families are struggling to keep their homes and clothe and feed their children.
“One of the things Kyna has brought to Rowan Helping Ministries is her mantra of respect and dignity,” Drinkard said.
Though those principles have always been a part of the agency, he said, they have been a big emphasis for Foster.
“Kyna Foster has done an awesome job,” Drinkard said.
“She stepped into some big shoes, but she stepped in and made a lot of friends in the community and she is also very sensitive to the needs of our clients and our guests.”
— By Shavonne Potts

Kyna Foster
Age: 46
Occupation: Executive Director, Rowan Helping Ministries
Favorite book: Bible, All books by Jeffrey Archer, Patricia Cornwell and John Hart, “Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do” by Robert Schuller
Most surprising song or artist in your music collection: Meatloaf
Who will you watch in 2011 and why?: Tim Tebow for the man he is and for his integrity.
Why she is one to watch in 2011: Foster heads an agency that aids many in the community who are homeless, hungry and in need with its overnight shelter, soup kitchen and crisis assistance.
Reaction to making the list: Why me. “I totally get Rowan Helping Ministries because it is so important to this community.”