We hope that this summer has brought you fun and joy. It sure has been a busy summer here at Lubbock Impact. I am excited to share with you some updates on staff transitions that have happened over the past few months.
Some of you may be wondering… Where is Wanda?
Well, the cat is officially out of the bag… Wanda is stepping into a new chapter of her life – retirement! After many years of dedication, Wanda will be working part-time through the end of the year to ensure all of her administrative responsibilities transition smoothly. Wanda is ready to spend more time with her husband, Brad, and six wonderful grandchildren! We’ll surely miss having Wanda around all of the time, but we are excited for her well-deserved retirement.
Wanda says, “When I began volunteering at the start of Lubbock Impact in 2007, I never dreamed I would be on staff for the last eleven years. I have loved building relationships and getting to help others. I have had the honor of living out Matthew 25:40, which says, “The King will reply, ‘Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Over the years, I have gotten to watch God truly bless Lubbock Impact. Retiring was not a decision I took lightly; it has taken a lot of time and prayer for me to feel at peace with it, but I am trusting God with my next chapter. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and grandkids. Lubbock Impact will always be a part of my heart, and you may see me occasionally as I return to volunteer in the future. I honestly cannot describe just how much I love Lubbock Impact and am so grateful to God for allowing me to be a part of this ministry for 16 years.”
I also wanted to introduce Haley McBrayer, Lubbock Impact’s Program Director. She is not a new face around here; she has been interning with us for the past two years. After earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Texas Tech, we’re thrilled to have her on board and oversee all participant programs. Haley has a vision to help participants overcome barriers and relieve generational poverty. Every day, she comes in eager to help participants. Lubbock Impact kiddos adore her, and families have expressed so much gratitude for the relationships she has fostered with parents and children.
Many of you have seen Shawna Silvas around, our Finance and Volunteer Manager. Over the past few months, she has been training and learning all of the ins and outs of Lubbock Impact. Previously, Stephanie Wallace has been who you would have contacted with volunteer questions. Stephanie, who volunteered as the Volunteer Coordinator for five years, has retired from that role. Shawna has fully stepped into her role and is now the point of contact for all things financial and volunteerism.
As this team moves forward, our desire is to bring hope, empowerment, and healing to Lubbock Impact participants. Through conversations, we aim to inspire our participants with hope for a better future. We seek to empower participants by giving them the vital resources and tools they need to be successful. Whether that is food, clothing for their job, no-cost healthcare or offering classes on being successful in work or with finances. We believe that inspiring hope and empowering resources can lead to healing, whether that is physical, emotional, or spiritual.
The Lubbock Impact team is committed to working daily to equip participants to find healing. We are eager to see what God will continue to do as we continue to serve the community. We ask you to pray alongside us, that every participant who enters the Lubbock Impact doors will find the resources they need to live a life restored.
Blessings,
Becky Robertson
Executive Director