Heidi’s Calling: Turning Work into a Ministry
Heidi serves as the Warehouse Manager for all Northwest Arkansas Salvation Army Thrift Stores, bringing a deep sense of purpose to her role. She joined The Salvation Army after working at another thrift store, motivated by a desire to spend Sundays at church with her husband, who is also a graduate of The Salvation Army's Corps Salvage Rehabilitation Center (CSRC). This program, which helps men overcome drug and alcohol dependency, is funded entirely by donations and sales from our thrift stores, making Heidi’s work deeply personal.
Heidi’s commitment goes beyond managing warehouse operations. "I’m doing the same work as before, but now it’s become a ministry for me," she explains. "I get to work with guys who are in the same place Doyle was." For Heidi, this role isn’t just a job; it’s a calling to guide and support the men in the CSRC program. She avoids the term "boss," preferring to see herself as a guide who magnifies their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.
Creating a safe, supportive environment is one of Heidi’s top priorities. "Their recovery is very important to me," she says. "You can’t tell me this program doesn’t work—I’ve seen it! It’s 12 steps, meaning it’s one foot in front of the other. It’s a process, and I always encourage these guys to work through it and take pride in what they accomplish."
Heidi views the men she works with as her boys, showing them genuine care and encouragement. "I’m not wasting my breath when I encourage people. I really mean it." Each day, Heidi asks God to guide her and put on the full armor of God, making her work not just a job, but a heartfelt mission to help others rebuild their lives.