09/12/2021
Our very own Deaconess Msn. Vanessa Hendrix!! Congratulations Msn. 👏🏽👏🏽
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT!!
Vanessa Hendrix
Site Director Horizons of Hope
November 13, 1989
31 years
Q: 31 years. What did you start off doing 31 years ago?
A: It’s been a journey for sure. I was a case manager in the Nashville Outpatient Clinic. From there, at the end of 1991, I was promoted to the day treatment coordinator at the Hope Outpatient Clinic. Horizons of Hope opened in 2001 and I came over at that point.
Q: I remember somewhere around 2002 or 2003 seeing a picture of you, I think in St. Louis, was this a company trip?
A: Yes, a little history lesson. Years ago, the Jefferson House used to do catering, like a work center, and a way of raising money. The clients raised money for their own trips and at times the center would help cover costs for three-day trips.
Q: I’m curious where all everyone would travel to?
A: There was a three-day trip almost every year and some of the clients from the hope day treatment would go and I would go. The clients would get out and get involved and see things. We went to Memphis and the Loraine motel. In 1991 the Loraine Hotel was converted to the National Civil Rights Museum. We also went to Atlanta Georgia and did some touring there. When we were in Atlanta, the CNN show does their recordings there, and we were the live audience once. We went to St. Louis Missouri and got to go to the Budweiser Clydesdale forum and got to get up close and personal with the Clydesdales. After the bombing at the Federal Building, we visited Oklahoma to see the memorial. I remember it being really touching and how everyone was affected by seeing and experiencing the memorial. I feel it was enlightening to everyone.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: They probably don’t know I’m a Licensed Missionary in the Church of God in Christ. I am what is known as a Deaconess Missionary. You must attend classes and you must pass written testing. You start as an Aspiring missionary for two years, being in the process of training and you’re learning. You must have recommendations from local, district and state Ministers and Missionaries and pass the background check. Then you can apply to take the classes and there is a test at the end. If you pass the test, then you can receive your license.
I make a point to separate my work there from my position here. I believe that people need to be saved but I do believe in allowing others their own options. I don’t speak about things on the job. I believe in respecting others’ views.
I don’t say this a lot but I’m a giver, if I see a need I answer to the need. You won’t hear me talk about it; you won’t hear me call any names. I do it out of a joyful spirit. Also, for several years I was a cake baker. Maybe 20 years, I baked and decorated special occasion cakes. It was a nice side job, though I don’t decorate cakes anymore.
Q: Outside of work are you active in your community?
A: I served on the board of Directors for the Mineral Springs Community Table (a Soup Kitchen). Besides serving on the board, I was involved with the actual cooking and serving.
Q: Advice for anyone just starting off?
A: Have a plan and be focused. Distractions come; life happens. But don’t let life detour you from your goal and always Pray for the Lord’s Guidance!
