6 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong> Orchestrating Compassion Cathy Halford - A Volunteer Profile Anna Rogers
Cathy Halford has been linked to service in the community in one way or another for almost three decades. At an early age, Cathy’s father had hoped she would be a concert pianist. She spent years practicing her music and training to be a pianist. She had no idea she would go on to dedicate her life to orchestrating kindness and compassion. Her 28-year career as a public school special education teacher fueled her desire to spread love and change lives. In 1997, Cathy was introduced to Kairos Prison Ministry. She spent six years working with women prisoners, helping the prisoners recognize, trust, and find peace. “The prison ministry helped me to trust more strongly in God and to believe that wherever life’s journey was headed, He would be there to support me,” she admits. In 2005, when Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Cathy was eager to roll up her sleeves and help. With her previous training through St. James’ Episcopal Church, she was well prepared to support the American Red Cross shelter at the Coliseum in Jackson, where so many sought refuge. She was among the hundreds of dedicated and trained volunteers that accepted the responsibility to feed, clothe and provide compassion to gulf coast residents. There, she organized clothes for the people that showed up with nothing– often times, giving out hugs. The holidays came quick for the victims of Katrina. When most people bounced back to their lives, Cathy traveled to Pascagoula to help with the long-term Katrina recovery efforts. When so many volunteers could not grip the devastation, Cathy was there to help the victims pick up the pieces. Homes were gone, lives were lost, and Cathy canvassed neighborhoods to help the residents survey damages and evaluate the loss. Cathy spent weeks on the Coast connecting victims to the much-needed resources and the support they required. Soon after, Cathy was encouraged to travel to Uganda and contribute to the Diocese of Mississippi’s humanitarian efforts. She traveled to the poverty stricken region and focused her attention on medical care and education. She would go on to travel to Uganda two more times. Cathy insists she received more than she gave, and each mission trip provided her with a renewed sense of unexpected love. Today, under Cathy’s leadership, St. Columb’s Episcopal Church in Ridgeland has a partnership with Sunnybrook Children’s Home. Cathy was instrumental in facilitating the partnership. She recently acted as a liaison between Sunnybrook and the Men’s Club to build tables for an outdoor pavilion; she organizes special activities for the children such as a movie afternoon at the church during holidays, and encourages volunteers from the church to develop long-term relationships with some of the children. “Cathy has a deep passion for working to help people who are in need, and she is tireless in her efforts to make this world a better place.” said Reverend Melanie Dickson Lemburg, Priest-in-Charge at St. Columb’s Episcopal Church. When Cathy is not arranging community outreach, she dedicates her time to enhancing the services of the local American Red Cross chapter. The Red Cross brings shelter, food, and comfort to those affected by disasters, large and small – a natural fit for Cathy. She utilizes her education experience to teach children how to prepare for disasters through the American Red Cross Pillowcase Project. “Cathy’s compassion, coupled with her dedication, is a perfect match for organizations like the Red Cross. She has provided assistance, support and often times a much needed hug to those who need it the most,” said CEO of Mississippi Red Cross, Ivy Williams. Cathy has a critical role with the local Red Cross chapter. She donates her time assisting with mass smoke alarm installations as well as serving as a caseworker for disaster victims that qualify for financial assistance and connecting the victims to resources and support. As for her future, Cathy Halford has no plans to stop giving her time and love. n <strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 7