Originally from Weogufka, Alabama, Shannon Williamson became a widow in 2005 while working as a manager with Small Finance in Georgia. She and her youngest son moved to Walker County to help her disabled brother and wife. Work was hard to come by, so it was a struggle to make ends meet. Shannon began a part-time job at Quality Inn which helped, but it did not provide the financial stability she needed. After a year, she became an outreach coordinator at Capstone Rural Health Center, working both jobs for the next six months to build a solid financial foundation. Through it all, Mission of Hope – one of the many nonprofits funded by Walker Area Foundation – was a constant source of support. The loving staff assisted her family with food several times as she worked to get back on her feet. They were a source of inspiration and provided a Christian approach to the assistance they offered. This was needed at the time because Shannon was overwhelmed, anxious about her finances and trying to find a job that would provide her with the means to take care of her family without needing assistance. Shannon says “God has a unique way of bringing everything in our lives full circle. I was once in need, but now I am able to talk about Mission of Hope as a resource for my patients at Capstone, as well as other services I know would benefit the many participants there.” She now serves as a Board Member for Walker County Coalition for the Homeless and for Walker County Community Action. Shannon loves to coupon, so she has a stockpile of food that she can share with those in need. “Most of the time I carry a bag of food in my car in case I encounter someone who is in need. I will have food and even some personal hygiene items I can bless someone with! I want to give back to the community and help people just as I was helped a few years ago.”

Article written by Walker Area Foundation