Hickory – In 1997, the Rev. Susan Smith had just moved to Hickory from Charlotte and read a story in the Hickory Daily Record about how the Rev. Reggie Longcrier was founding a new church in the Dirk M. Thompson Mortuary Chapel. Exodus Missionary Outreach United Church of Christ was to be a multi ethnic inner city ministry serving the least of these, especially those in recovery from addiction or incarceration. Smith showed up for the third service of the new church where she heard about the vision for a housing program for homeless  recovering people, and the rest is history. She offered her help in creating the new program called Exodus Homes from her background and experience in managing residential programs, and soon she and Longcrier began a partnership that has spanned 27 years. With Longcrier as executive director and Smith as assistant executive director, the new organization experienced phenomenal growth and today Exodus Homes is an award winning United Way agency with 75 beds and nine program locations in Hickory. Their chemistry and diversity at the top empowered staff and residents to do what many said could not be done.

Recently, Smith made the decision that it was time to step aside and make room for new leadership that could carry the organization to another level and a sustainable future. “My heart’s desire is that Exodus Homes will be here 50 years from now, and it is time for me to pass the baton of leadership. Great leaders must be intentional in passing the baton so that a smooth transition brings change in the most effective way. Developing Exodus Homes has been my life’s work and I will always be a strong supporter of the great work we do in transforming lives, reuniting families, and stabilizing the community. I will still be the senior associate pastor of Exodus Church which has always been the heartbeat of Exodus Homes. In this way it is not goodbye, but just a change in the focus of my energy in the Exodus ministry,” she said. Smith will be passing the baton to Carol Vandergift who will be the new COO/CFO of Exodus Homes. Vandergrift is an accounting and marketing professional with skills in strategic planning and organizational development. She has been with Exodus Homes for six years part time in the business office and has been working with Smith this year on a transition plan, gradually assuming more responsibility and working with the board of directors on improving the fiscal management of the agency. Vandergrift is a high energy go-getter and just the right person to succeed Smith. “As the new COO/CFO of Exodus Homes I am honored to contribute to our mission, helping people in recovery transition from homelessness and incarceration to becoming productive citizens of the community. Many view transitions such as this as a challenging time, but I see it as an opportunity for growth and change” she said.

Longcrier fully supports Smith’s decision to pass the baton, saying “This is a bittersweet moment for us at Exodus Homes. No one will ever replace Susan. She has been a strong leader in the good times and the bad, including the two times she battled breast cancer when she never left her post. Our work together has been a demonstration of how two people so different can complement one another in partnership for the great works of God. Susan will still be with us in the church and we look forward to many more years of ministry together at Exodus.”

The board of Exodus Homes is asking the public to celebrate Rev. Smith’s 27 years of service by making a gift in her honor. All money raised will be used for gasoline and vehicle repairs for their fleet of 29 vans, minivans, cars, box trucks, and pick up trucks. Funding transportation for their residents as well as all the vehicles used in their vocational training program Exodus Works is always a challenge, and all gifts big or small will be appreciated. Those who make a gift will be listed on a beautiful acrylic wall hanging with an etched image of Rev. Smith that will hang in the lobby of the Exodus Homes office in Hickory. To make a gift, go to www.exodushomes.org and click on the “Donate” button. In the memo line “Special Instructions to the Seller” add “ Gift to honor Rev. Smith.” People can also mail their gift to Exodus Homes, P.O. Box 3311 Hickory, NC 28603 or bring it to their offices at 610 4th St. SW in Hickory 28602.

Photo: Carol Vandergift