BY CULEEN SHAFFER

After 11 years of leading Iredell Christian Ministries (ICM), Joy Morrison is retiring — for the second time. Morrison, who originally retired in 2013 after a 30-year career in education, is stepping down from her role as executive director of the nonprofit organization, where she has made a lasting impact on the community.

Morrison’s journey at ICM began as a volunteer, a position she started shortly after her retirement from teaching and administration. It was her husband who encouraged her to apply for the director’s role after spotting the opening in the local newspaper. Though she had no intention of returning to full-time work, he pointed out that she was already spending four days a week at ICM and might as well be compensated for it.

“I applied thinking it would go nowhere,” Morrison said, reflecting on the process. “But they called me for an interview, and the rest is history.”

Morrison had always known how important Iredell Christian Ministries and similar organizations were, stating that some of her students had access to food insecurity programs.

During her tenure, Morrison helped grow ICM’s food-assistance program, ensuring that more families could access the resources they needed to fight food insecurity. Most of the food comes from Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, but the staff also purchases quite a bit of food. They also rely on excess produce from local farmers and gardeners. With the growth in food donations, ICM added a walk-in cooler and freezer, along with a van to pick up donations.

Helping those experiencing food insecurity is the main goal of the nonprofit.

Other changes since Morrison became director include offering financial assistance for those who need a little help with rent, utilities or prescriptions. ICM also has a group, called Aspire, that meets once a week for cooking classes. They also offer counseling, and tutoring for middle and high school students one night a week.

Monday through Thursday they utilize many volunteers to help meet the needs of the clients. This is something that Joy will one day do again.

“I do want to volunteer but at other places too,” said Morrison.

She also wants to have some fun. “I love pickleball,” she said. “I want to play pickleball on a regular basis”.

Morrison also looks forward to spending more time with her daughter, who is getting married in September and lives in Michigan. She hopes to travel and enjoy the freedom of retirement.

She says it’s time for new blood and new ideas at ICM.

“This is a great place to work. If someone is interested, I would highly suggest that they at least contact somebody and ask questions.”

Morrison said the Iredell Christian Ministries board is very supportive of the staff and volunteers.

ICM Board member Ginnifer Scott noted they are opening two part-time positions to fill Morrison’s “big shoes.” One is for executive director and the other is for operations manager. Applications must be submitted by April 1. The incoming candidate will have at least 30 days to shadow Morrison before she settles into retirement for good this time.

“You’re not going to get rich doing this, but you are going to go home every day feeling like we’ve accomplished something very important,” Morrison said.

LEARN MORE

To learn about the open positions, visit www.iredellcm.org.