Hometown Madison - March & April 2016

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
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