Mountain of Faith’s new executive director outlined an ambitious plan for the homeless ministry during Thursday’s fifth annual Women Empowering Communities Luncheon.

Kimberly Smith, Mountain of Faith’s new director, said Mountain of Faith founder Tina Hayward, who died July 28, was a very special lady, adding the ministry “has become a cornerstone of stability and support in the community.”

But Hayward’s vision, she said, “Was much larger, and it is up to us to continue the legacy that she began.”

Smith, who was named director in October, commended the ministry’s board, telling it, “Tina was the head, you were the body, and your work has not gone unnoticed. I’m so thankful that you have decided to support me. I endeavor to take this ministry to the next level.”

And she announced her goal.

“My desire is to see the ministry expand nationally and internationally within the next five years, and I truly believe we can do it,” Smith told an estimated 200 residents attending the annual fundraiser.

Homelessness, she said, has become a huge epidemic in the country and in Vicksburg and Warren County. According to the National Law Center for Homelessness and Poverty, she said, an estimated 2.3 to 3.5 million Americans are homeless each year. “It’s a problem we are addressing every day.”

Mountain of Faith Ministries’ annual luncheon honored nine women for their community service:

Susie Calbert, social worker and youth advocate; Ebony Berry Garner, educator, coach and mentor; Fanny Louise Myles-Glasper, youth mentor and community volunteer; Athenia Jefferson, youth advocate; Kimberly Walker Nailor, attorney, judge pro tem and youth advocate; Pam Pugh, bank executive and community volunteer; Linda M. Stevens, law enforcement and political activist; Jo Ella Harrison Walls educator and community volunteer; and Lucy Young, coach and educator.

“All the women here do not seek personal recognition or praise,” said Mountain of Faith Board of Directors president Artelia Williams. “Number 1, they love the Lord; number 2, they love giving of themselves; number 3, they were raised in homes that nurtured them and taught them the basic skills to be successful in life.”

But it was the memory of Hayward, who founded Mountain of Faith in 2000 to help homeless women, and to whom the luncheon was dedicated, that received the most attention.

“Tina’s circle was filled with love,” Municipal Judge Toni Terrett, vice president of the Mountain of Faith’s Board, said, “Tina loved God, she loved His people, and out of obedience to Him, you are all here to today.”

Terrett said Hayward also served on the boards of national organizations to help the homeless.

“At the center of Tina’s circle was a woman, who though not perfect, was faithful to her mission until the Lord had need of her. Today as we celebrate the work of Mountain of Faith Ministries and recognize nine wonderful women, we also honor the life and legacy of Tina M. Hayward, the founder of Mountain of Faith Ministries.”