“I find peace within and I have this job to help me. Ironically, these people that I am here for were the ones here for me during my tough times. I want my life to be a living testament for others.”
- Gladys Thompson
literally stepped into the fire the day she took over in September 2007. Her first day was the day the original building burned down. She is the first female director of the mission and has been awarded numerous humanitarian awards for her efforts. Thompson says her biggest reward is
being able to serve and give of herself to help others. She is no stranger to pain and uses that experience to relate to others. Thompson’s son Carlos was killed in 2007 in Iraq at just 26 years old. After that devastating loss Thompson said she threw herself into her work. “I find peace within and I have this job
to help me,” said Thomson. “Ironically, these people that I am here for were the ones here for me during my tough times. I want my life to be a living testament for others.” The Fayetteville City Rescue Mission
is best known for the large numbers of people fed at Thanksgiving and Christmas. In November, the mission fed 450 residents in need and provided their annual Christmas dinner on December 18 serving a hot dinner of turkey and ham with all the trimmings under tents in the winter drizzle. Warm clothes, coats and gloves were laid out to be taken as needed. The mission also sponsors “Operation Dream Come True” by adopting 50 local families in need and providing toys and clothes for their children from contributions through local churches and other organizations. If your unit or organization would
like to sponsor a service project, contact Gladys Thompson at 910.323.0446.CV
66 | Feb/March • 2011
