Hickory, NC – April 15, 2025 – Exodus Homes is proud to announce that Darlene Sanders, a graduate of the Exodus Homes program and long-time volunteer, has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service. This award, presented by the Office of the Governor of North Carolina, recognizes the top volunteers across the state who have shown exceptional commitment and service to their communities.

Darlene Sanders’ journey with Exodus Homes began on January 21, 2015, when she entered the program with a powerful desire to change her life. From the very beginning, Darlene immersed herself in service—volunteering to run group meetings, staffing the front desk at the Horseshoe Apartments, and stepping into the role of Women’s Site Manager.

After completing the program and moving into her own home nearly four years later, Darlene never stepped away. She continued to serve in numerous roles, eventually becoming the Front Desk Coordinator at the Exodus Homes corporate office and Site Manager for the entire program. Her dedication, integrity, and contagious joy uplift everyone around her, especially the residents she mentors each day.

“Darlene brings warmth, strength, and unwavering commitment to her work. She’s a source of hope and stability for our residents, and we are incredibly proud to see her receive this well-deserved honor,” said Carol Vandergrift, COO/CFO of Exodus Homes.

The Governor’s Medallion Award is the highest level of recognition for volunteerism in North Carolina, and only a select group of recipients are chosen each year.

“We are blessed beyond measure to have Darlene as a part of our Exodus team,” Vandergrift added. “Her story is a powerful reminder of what transformation, service, and love can look like in action.”

Join us for our next Community Outreach Event on Friday, May 3, hosted by Exodus Homes and Exodus Outreach Missionary Church.

These powerful events bring together our neighbors in need and local agencies offering support, resources, and hope.

We are currently seeking local community agencies and service providers to partner with us! If your organization offers housing assistance, healthcare, addiction recovery, mental health services, job training, education, or any other support for underserved individuals and families, we’d love to have you join us.

This is a great opportunity to connect with the community, share your resources, and help make a lasting impact.

Interested in participating?

Please contact Catie at 828.324.4870 to reserve your space or learn more.

Let’s work together to bring help, healing, and hope to those who need it most.

Exodus Homes is actively seeking donations to help fund the heart of our work—general operating expenses, transportation costs, and a major capital project to repair and upgrade all seven of our residential homes. These homes are vital to the recovery and stability of our residents, and your support ensures they remain safe, welcoming, and fully functional.

We are also offering naming rights for contributions of $50,000 or more—a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy while directly impacting lives in our community.

If you’re interested in partnering with us in this transformational work, please contact D. Carol Vandergrift at 704.699.8544 for more information.

Together, we can continue to provide second chances, restore hope, and build stronger futures.