On Sunday January 18, 2009, Exodus Homes won a Dream Keeper award presented by the Maiden Rosenwald Community Development Corporation during a banquet at the Crowne Plaza celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, and those who are helping realize his dream. Greetings were offered by Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright, Catawba County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Lynn Lail, and Catawba Valley Community College President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw. A moving video montage of the life of Dr. King played during the event, while speakers inspired the participants to reach higher and do more to improve the community. Exodus Homes, a United Way agency, was honored for it’s excellence in providing faith based supportive housing for homeless recovering people in a way that saves lives, improves neighborhoods, and reduces crime. Susan Smith, Exodus Homes Assistant Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of Rev. Reggie Longcrier who was in a worship service with the young men at Western Youth Correctional Center in Burke County that evening. Although he knew about the award, he felt he must honor the prior commitment to the young men there. In accepting the award, Ms. Smith who has worked with Exodus for 12 years said, “Rev. Longcrier wanted to be here, but he has taught us to always put meeting the needs of our people first, and then God will take care of the rest.”
The mission of the Maiden Rosenwald Community Development Corporation “Developing and providing support and resources to the community through education, advocacy, and empowerment.” For more information about Exodus Homes, go to www.exodushomes.org or call 828-324-4870.
