Thirteen years ago, while working in sales for WTN Radio, Kathy had her first experience with the Nashville Rescue Mission through aradiothon hosted by Dave Ramsey.

“At the time, I thought I knew what the Mission was all about,” shares Kathy. “They feed, clothe and shelter the homeless. I wrote my check. I felt good knowing I was helping someone in need. My father struggled with a lot of the same issues the men at the Mission deal with. He had episodes of homelessness and was in and out of the mission in Alabama. I wasn’t able to help him, but I thought at least I could help someone else.”

“When you give, God gives it back to you tenfold.”

Kathy’s heart for the hurting went even deeper having experienced challenges in her own life. In addition to the plight of her father, Kathy was a victim of abuse and became a single mom to five children. She could relate to hard times. She had to learn what it took to be successful—at least on the outside. Inside she was tired and weary, but ultimately found healing. Kathy started looking for ways to give back and get plugged in, so she started serving meals at the Mission.

After donating to the Mission’s capital campaign to expand services for women, Kathy took a tour to see first-hand how her dollars were put to use. Little did she know God was already at work preparing the way for her to get more involved at the Mission.

“I met some really wonderful people while on the tour,” shares Kathy. “A few days after my visit, I got a phone call asking if I’d be willing to teach a class on ‘dressing for success’ to the women getting ready to graduate from the life-recovery program. I was thrilled and honored.”

Kathy says she’s been blown away by her experience in teaching the class. It has helped her heal in the process.

“The class isn’t just about what to wear to an interview,” says Kathy. “It’s about building confidence. I teach the women the importance of a smile, how to shake hands using a firm grip. I teach them that dressing for success is important, but if you don’t feel good about who you are, there’s not a dress pretty enough to get you where you want to go. It’s important to let God dress us for success.”

“It is an honor and privilege to be a part of these ladies’ lives,” shares Kathy. “I know they are vulnerable and about to step out into a whole new world. They are going to be living a life they’ve never lived before. I know what it’s like to be afraid, and I want to help ease their fears. I want them to know God will never give up on them.”

If you’d like to join volunteers like Kathy who are making a difference in the lives of those who are hurting, find out how you can help by visiting our volunteer page.