Faces of the Army: Meet Darnella Dobson
When Darnella Dobson first walked through the doors of The Salvation Army in January 2008, she wasn’t sure what to expect.
“I needed a job,” she recalled. “I’d just lost my brother and mom, and I saw a posting for a secretary. I thought, ‘What does the Salvation Army need a secretary for?’ I only knew about kettles and bell ringers.”
Seventeen years later, Darnella is now the Property Coordinator for The Salvation Army for the ALM Division, having transitioned from her longtime role in social services. Her story is one of transformation, loyalty, fueled by a deep love for helping others.
Before moving into her current role, Darnella spent more than 15 years coordinating utility assistance and palliative care services for elderly and disabled individuals. “Helping people has always been my passion,” she said. “I’m a people person—it’s just who I am.”
That passion continues to shine in her new role, even if the day-to-day tasks have changed. “Now I coordinate everything property-related—leases, insurance claims, storm damage,” she explained. “It’s a whole new world, but I love learning new things. I’m still helping others, just in a different way.”
More Than a Job—It’s Family
What has kept Darnella at The Salvation Army for nearly two decades? It’s the people. “You’re not just coming to work,” she said. “You’re coming to a place where your coworkers become your family. When I lost my brother and mom, the people here rallied around me. This place—this ministry—is built on love.”
One of the biggest surprises for Darnella when she joined The Salvation Army was discovering that it’s more than just a social service organization—it’s a church. “I had no idea,” she said. “A lot of people don’t. But once you’re inside, you see the ministry, the mission, and the heart.”
Faith plays a central role in her work. “This isn’t a regular job,” she said. “You can pull out your Bible in the middle of the day, and no one bats an eye. If you don’t have the heart to help people, this isn’t the place for you.”
When asked what she’s looking forward to most, Darnella answered without hesitation: “Growth. In all aspects—personally, professionally, spiritually. Every day, I’m learning something new.”
Today, Darnella continues to be inspired by the diverse people she meets through her work. “I have a reputation of being the “social butterfly” at DHQ, because I love to be a encourager,” she said. “And I like to think I leave a little “butterfly dust” behind by brightening someone’s day, even just with a smile.”