If you have come through Lubbock Impact’s doors within the last year and a half, you have most likely visited with “the lady with a bright smile and red hair.” Nancy Lee Plumley was assigned as a Heart Corp Service Member through a three-year grant from a partnership with the American Heart Association and AmeriCorps to Lubbock Impact. During her time at Lubbock Impact, Nancy has become an integral part in ensuring that our participants are cared for and receive their necessary resources. She has assisted shoppers in both our Clothes Closets and Food Pantry, worked with volunteers, served at community meals, and helped with our Children’s Ministry and Kids Camps. 

Getting involved with Heart Corps was personal for Nancy. She has watched several family members struggle with diabetes and cardiovascular-related illnesses that have impacted their quality of life. It was not until she received her diagnosis of diabetes and stage 3 chronic kidney disease that she realized her symptoms were not just the usual tiredness from her life as a working mom. She was not aware of how many lifestyle changes could have eased the heartache she and her family had faced. When she learned about Heart Corps, she realized she had the chance to make a difference for others. Nancy was inspired by her own experiences to go and help people with similar stories to hers. 

God placed Nancy at Lubbock Impact for a reason, and she has poured so much care into this place during her time here. 

While being placed at Lubbock Impact was out of Nancy’s hands, it is obvious how much of her love has flowed into the lives of our participants through her gifts. For many participants, valuable conversations about topics like diabetes and cardiovascular health can be hard to come by without proper access to healthcare. During Nancy’s time at Lubbock Impact, one of her main initiatives has been to teach classes about these topics, including improving nutrition, managing blood pressure, and so much more. In addition to her classes, Nancy S has been heavily involved with Lubbock Impact’s programs and has served in almost every single one of our ministries. Nancy has called her time at Lubbock Impact a “humbling yet fulfilling experience.” 

While the classes she teaches are incredibly important, Nancy expressed that her most cherished experiences have been the conversations she has had with participants, both inside and outside the classroom. She has met caregivers who felt lost about their situation and were looking for a source of support, women who found community and safety to share their stories and lean on others, a young girl whose face lit up at the idea of receiving shampoo, a multitude of kids laughing and feeling joyous about being here—the list of memories goes on and on. In each of these moments, Nancy has seen the hope Lubbock Impact brings for this community; it’s not just a place of resources, but a place of community and blessings. 

Due to government spending cuts, Nancy’s program with Heart Corps has ended earlier than we initially anticipated, but we are soaking in every moment that we have left together. She is not sure what God’s plan for her is just yet, but she is excited for what is to come.  

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank Nancy for her service and dedication to the participants of Lubbock Impact. If you stop by Lubbock Impact before the end of August, please thank Nancy for her service and pray for her as she transitions to where the Lord leads her next!