Saying The Salvation Army in Cleveland and Rutherford counties has "great momentum and a bright future," Chris Mabry passed the mantel of leadership to Faye Hassell as chair of TSA's Advisory Board at the October meeting.
Corps administrator Sgt. Les Ashby thanked Mabry for his several years of leadership, presenting him a chairman's plaque, a Salvation Army lapel pin, and a small statue of TSA founder Gen. William Booth praying.
"This is such a special organization," Mabry said. "I just tell you it's a great experience. I always think I can do more. We have great momentum, a bright future. We've been praying for guidance in this strategic plan we've got going and there's just so much more we can do."
The corps has asked for bids from consulting firms for an in-depth Mission Planning Study, the first step in developing a new long-range plan for the ministry's future in the community it has served continuously for more than 50 years.
Hassell worked in administration for 17 years with Isothermal Community College and Rutherford County Schools. She retired in 2016 as Executive Director of United Way of Rutherford County, with 23 years' service.
Installing her as the new chair, Ashby charged her with the Army's mission - "to meet human needs in (Christ's) name without discrimination."
"This is a pleasure and an honor for me," said Hassell, who helped initiate TSA's Christmas Cheer in her home county several years ago. She joined the advisory board in 2015.
Also at the October session, Shelby businessman Richard Anderson received unanimous approval to become a board member.
Ashby said a new member's job is to educate the community about the Army and what it does. "We have a story to tell and we just need to go out and tell it," he said. The corps is looking for additional board members.
LOCATIONS
Church/Office 305 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 28150, phone 704-482-0375. Family Stores 1649 E. Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC 28152, phone 704-482-9502; 256 W. Main St., Forest City, NC 28043, phone 828-287-0119; online at www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/Shelby on Facebook: The Salvation Army of Shelby.
Submitted by Cassie Herndon Tarpley