SALISBURY — Rowan Helping Ministries honored the heart and soul of its mission — its volunteers — at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet last week. Held at First Baptist Church of Salisbury’s First Ministry Center, the event celebrated the dedication and commitment of those who make the organization’s work possible.

More than 200 volunteers, board members, and staff gathered to share in an evening of gratitude and reflection. Matthew Marsh, Board Chair of Rowan Helping Ministries, opened the event with welcoming remarks, followed by an invocation led by Board Secretary Sheila Prevatte. The keynote speaker, Dr. Scott W. Bullard, President of Pfeiffer University, delivered remarks titled “Simple (and Complex) Acts of Kindness.”

Bullard spoke about the transformative power of service and the role of passing down the spirit of volunteerism from one generation to the next. 

Community Relations Manager Courtney Hunter, Volunteer Manager Samantha Stanley and Director of Crisis Assistance and Food Operations Kristine Wiles led the recognition of outstanding volunteers, highlighting their invaluable contributions throughout 2024: 

Teresa Montgomery: Montgomery has served in numerous roles at Rowan Helping Ministries since 2023, including working with guests in the New Tomorrows program, welcoming guests at the front desk, sorting donations in the food pantry, working in the shelter laundry room and assisting in the Crisis Assistance Network office.

Matthew Weaver: Weaver has volunteered for more than 20 years, performing a variety of tasks, including serving meals in Jeannie’s Kitchen, washing laundry and sharing his musical talents with shelter guests.

Life Church: Life Church has partnered with Rowan Helping Ministries since 2015, stepping up during the pandemic to pack food bags for the Food for Thought and USDA family food programs. Life Church members volunteer in the organization’s Food Pantry, serve as Food for Thought and Second Helping drivers, and serve as Crisis Assistance interviewers and Life Coaches. 

In addition to recognizing these dedicated volunteers, Rowan Helping Ministries celebrated Teresa Montgomery and Matthew Weaver as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. This honor is awarded annually to North Carolinians who make significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service.

Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb was not able to be present at the event but expressed her gratitude for the volunteers: “Our volunteers are the heart of Rowan Helping Ministries. Their commitment to serving others allows us to continue our mission of offering hope and support to our neighbors in need. We are deeply grateful for the countless hours they give to make a difference in our community.”

Rowan Helping Ministries relies on the commitment of more than 2,300 community volunteers, whose service in its shelter, food programs, Crisis Assistance Network, and supportive housing programs is essential to the organization’s mission. 

For more information about Rowan Helping Ministries and available volunteer opportunities, go to www.rowanhelpingministries.org/volunteer.