RHM celebrates supporters and success at annual meeting Sept. 16
Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 21, 2014
Recent expansion efforts at Rowan Helping Ministries are already changing lives, according to organization leaders who gave year-end reports at the agency’s 2014 Annual Meeting on Sept. 16.
“Since moving into the new Robertson-Stanback Center in May, we have witnessed powerful transformations in our shelter guests and clients at Jeannie’s Kitchen,” said Kyna S. Grubb, executive director of Rowan Helping Ministries.
These transformations have been made possible by Rowan Helping Ministries’ many community supporters, said board Chairwoman Diane Hundley as she welcomed more than 100 contributors to the annual meeting hosted by First United Methodist Church of Salisbury.
Of the 236 guests who have been housed in the new shelter in its first 120 days of operation, 57 have found employment and 112 have moved to stable housing, according to reports by Grubb and Treasurer Dave Jordan.
Having space for shelter guests to come inside during the day has helped them be more compliant with the case plans that are designed to help them move forward. Participation in the New Tomorrows classes, which teach practical life skills, has increased by 150 percent and 12 new classes have been added to meet client needs, according to reports.
The large, attractive spaces in the new building have enhanced clients’ feelings of self-worth and have improved the way they interact with each other. Guests of Jeannie’s Kitchen, which serves three meals each day, are gaining a sense of community and belonging as they enjoy the restaurant atmosphere and socialize at round tables. The agency served more than 95,000 meals last year and served a record high of 215 guests at a noon meal served in the new kitchen and dining area.
The food pantry distributed 549,000 pounds of food (a 7.4 percent increase) last year and the clothing pantry served more than 11,200 clients (a 15.6 percent increase). The organization provided nearly $1.1 million in financial assistance for rent, utilities and other needs, a slight decrease due to decreases in government-directed funding.
Community contributions, including in-kind donations, totaled more than $3.7 million and 91 percent of that funding was used for direct program services, Jordan reported.
The next phase of the expansion project will include remodeling the original building, the Ralph Ketner Crisis Assistance Center. This remodel will expand the food pantry and office space for crisis assistance interviews and for life coaching designed to reduce clients’ dependency on social service agencies.
During the meeting, the following were elected to serve on the board of directors: Dave Jordan, class of 2015; and Chris Bradshaw, Scott Jones, Vergel Lattimore, Dennis McCoy, Teresa Patterson and P.J. Ricks, class of 2017. Continuing on the board this year are: Phil Conrad, Keith Cunningham, Sue Fisher, Dr. Don Fortner, Steve Henman, Dick Huffman, Ruth Kennerly, Bill Ketchie, Mike Lippard, Maria Lowder, Cheryl Marsh, Tim Messinger, Owen Norvell and Tom Staats.
Serving as officers for 2015 will be Diane Hundley, president; Maria Lowder, vice president; Dick Huffman, secretary; and Dave Jordan, treasurer. Retiring board members recognized at the event were: Jack Errante, Darrin Jordan, Deborah Johnson and Thomasina Paige.
Details were announced for upcoming events and projects that will benefit Rowan Helping Ministries: Reception for Honor Card artist Connie Loflin Peninger, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church; brass concert at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.; Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, Oct. 26, 2-6 p.m.; Karl Hale’s Christmas Traditions, Dec. 15-16; Volunteer Banquet, March 17, 2015; and Pass the Plate fundraiser, April 18, 2015. For more information, contact Rowan Helping Ministries at 704-637-6838.