A fifteen-year tenure at one of Stratford’s food banks is coming to an end.
Theresa McMurray, executive director of Stratford House of Blessing, recently announced she is stepping down from the position at the end of the month.
McMurray is leaving to pursue other opportunities.
McMurray was executive director for 13 of her 15 years with Stratford House of Blessing. She told StratfordToday that running the food bank has a whole different flavour now compared to when she first got started.
“It just kept growing and growing and growing,” McMurray said. She pointed to some major events in her time as executive director that helped the organization evolve, such as the 2018 fire and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because of the pandemic, they could not have people in the building. A difficult decision was made to stop the clothing program they in order to support a delivery program. That change was successful and the delivery program continues today.
“Change isn’t always bad,” McMurray said. “It can be very good.”
McMurray is most proud of keeping up with societal changes in her time leading House of Blessing. She said that some of their services have increased over 150 per cent since she started.
The new executive director is Eva Hayes, who heard of McMurray’s departure and sought out the job.
“I felt it was an opportunity that I could get involved in serving our community,” said Hayes. “I have heart for the people and I hold the values of the House of Blessing in high regard.”
Hayes points to the fact that House of Blessing not only provides food but wraps around the whole family as an example of those values.
Hayes found out she was the successful applicant in March. She brings to the position ample experience in administration: most recently as the executive pastor at the Elgin Missionary Church. Hayes sits on the board of directors for Evergreen Christian Ministry Camps.
Over the course of the month, McMurray has been showing Hayes the ropes and “beginning to pass the baton.
McMurray noted that Hayes is doing a fantastic job and will continue to do so.
At the moment, Hayes said she will maintain the status quo as she gets a full grasp of programs.
McMurray provided this advice to Hayes: “Listen to your community. Keep the heart of what we do at the forefront. Keep wrapping your arms around the people that need you the most and keep God in the centre of it.”
Hayes officially takes the full-time reins on May 23.
