Making it Her Own

The present head of the Distribution Center, Barbara Mantooth, is settling into her new position. She began her training in May working under the tutelage of Darlene Cervas ( pictured below)who had been at the helm for 17 years. Passing the torch to the eager new administrator was a little difficult for Darlene having cared for and nurtured the program almost since its inception. To many, the Distribution Center was synonymous with “Darlene,” so thinking of the place without her was hard for many to imagine. However, Barbara already is making the office her own, she goes out and talks to the folks in line, she patiently tries to communicate, she provides a soothing demeanor for nervous first-timers, she but she also has learned to put her foot down when necessary. She holds her ground as she makes the weekly orders from the food bank, she wisely sticks to the standards set before her, and she helps people understand the procedures that must be followed to serve everyone best. Somehow, Barbara manages to “lay down the law” while still being genial and communicating great compassion.

The distribution center still serves food to families on Tuesdays, items for the homeless on Wednesdays, clothing for households on Thursdays, and the different ministers take the opportunity to study and pray with all who come through. Every day is begun with prayer and prayer sustains the work throughout each day. God has answered our prayers by sending Barbara here, and continues to answer prayers through the ministry she is shepherding.