Video: Tupelo Salvation Army Leader Moves on to Next Assignment

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) -It is one of the most visible and active humanitarian organizations in the area, and the person who has overseen everything for nearly ten years is leaving town. As WCBI’s Allie Martin reports, as Major Sue Dorman gets a new assignment with the Salvation Army, she has a lot of fond memories of her time in Tupelo.

As a trailer carrying kitchen supplies for tornado victims is unloaded outside, Major Sue Dorman makes her rounds inside the Salvation Army’s Carnation Street Community Center.

She’s also checking one last time to make sure all of her belongings are packed. After eight years in Tupelo, Dorman is leaving for a new assignment in Florence Alabama.

“It’s been a little hairy”

During her time in Tupelo, Dorman led the ministry as the number of people needing help continued to increase.

More than 80 thousand meals are served at the Tupelo facility a year. There are also weekly church services and other activities during the week.

“We’ve seen lives changed, seen people take responsibility, realize they can do something.”

Among Dorman’s accomplishments, the annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser contineus to grow and the expansion Red Shield Lodge. The facility sleeps 22 people most nights.

Dorman says she’ll miss Tupelo and its people.

“This is a community that cares, this is a community that has given, that’s a big part, work will be the same, just in a different place.”

And she has some advice for the people who will oversee the non-profit when she leaves.

“Just love the people, that’s our ministry. Love the people and everything else will fall in place.”

In Tupelo I’m Allie Martin WCBI News.
Majors Jeff and Linda Daniels will now oversee the Tupelo Salvation Army. The husband and wife were based in Ardmore Oklahoma.