Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry (CVEM) has wonderful news.

Bishop Wright has appointed Malinda Shamburger as the next Executive Director of CVEM.

Friends of CVEM have worked closely with Malinda over the years. She has served CVEM in many capacities – volunteer, board member, board president, Director of Infusion, Administrative Assistant, and more. She has an earlier career in business, a degree in communications, and experience working with nonprofits. She is a faithful Episcopalian and a servant leader with a heart for God and for God’s people.

She will begin on October 1. Join us in welcoming Malinda to this new role, and pray for her as she begins her work.

Keep reading to hear from Malinda about her hopes for CVEM’s future:

I have shared my story of how I came to St. Thomas many times and have always attributed it to my daughter. But there is more to the story. She and I were introduced to the Episcopal Church through CVEM. Over the years, I have had many roles at CVEM; little did I know that God was preparing me for the ultimate job at CVEM: The Executive Director.

As I begin this new role I recognize I am walking into a very established organization. Under the leadership of Vicky Partin and Martha Robert, CVEM has flourished and has certainly gone above and beyond what anyone could have imagined 40 plus years ago. But it is not finished yet.

Over the years our Direct Service program has grown. We have been able to help more people in many different ways. However, I am always left with the question, “What will they do next month?” The answer from most when asked that question is, “I don’t know. I will figure something out.” What we plan to do is to help answer that question. This community is blessed with organizations that are working towards ending poverty. Yes, you read correctly ending poverty. I have been in conversation with Better Work Columbus, an agency focused on assisting unemployed and underemployed people with employment that will allow them to earn a living wage. Check out their website betteropportunity.orgfor more information. Our goal is to identify people who call us that would be a fit for the program and build a community of support. Most people are not aware of what is available in our community and we want to be a part of creating that awareness.

There are amazing things ahead for CVEM, and I am excited about this opportunity to serve God and my community.

Finally, I leave you with the verse that I felt was CVEM’s assurance to all whether you were a faithful donor or receiving assistance. This verse was on everything CVEM sent out many will remember from all things CVEM.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31