There’s no doubt Tina Hayward was a special lady in the Warren County community. That was evident during a fundraising luncheon this past week for Mountain of Faith Ministry — an organization Hayward created to battle homelessness in our area.

Hayward passed away in July, but her legacy continues through Mountain of Faith and the guidance of new executive director Kimberly Smith, who said the ministry “has become a cornerstone of stability and support in the community.”

Smith outlined an ambitious plan for the homeless ministry during Thursday’s fifth annual Women Empowering Communities Luncheon, which also recognized nine very deserving women in our community.

Smith, who was named director in October, commended the ministry’s board, telling it, “Tina was the head, you were the body, and your work has not gone unnoticed. I’m so thankful that you have decided to support me. I endeavor to take this ministry to the next level.”

Her ambitious goal is to take the ministry to the national and international level within the next five years.

Homelessness, she said, has become a huge epidemic in the country and in Vicksburg and Warren County. According to the National Law Center for Homelessness and Poverty, she said, an estimated 2.3 to 3.5 million Americans are homeless each year.

“It’s a problem we are addressing every day.”

Mountain of Faith Ministries’ annual luncheon honored nine women for their community service:

Susie Calbert, social worker and youth advocate; Ebony Berry Garner, educator, coach and mentor; Fanny Louise Myles-Glasper, youth mentor and community volunteer; Athenia Jefferson, youth advocate; Kimberly Walker Nailor, attorney, judge pro tem and youth advocate; Pam Pugh, bank executive and community volunteer; Linda M. Stevens, law enforcement and political activist; Jo Ella Harrison Walls educator and community volunteer; and Lucy Young, coach and educator.

We are sure Tina Hayward would be pleased with the selection of these incredible ladies and the future of Mountain of Faith Ministry.