By Ginny Knight-Simon

I would say that good, positive influences led me to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. I am from Hancock county and my parents were Alvin and Emma Hagman Johnson. My two older brothers and I grew up in a good and Catholic environment, which was another positive for me. We had several relatives that were in religious vocations, so I was quite familiar with priests and sisters at a young age. I remember two of my aunts taking me to the ordination of Msgr. Anthony Higdon, a cousin, who was the first priest ordained in the Diocese of Owensboro. I was only 3 or 4 years old and I remember sitting in the 6th pew from the front. I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on but I knew it was something very important, grand and special. As I grew up I had two, what I call God experiences, in my personal life. So, in September, 1951, I joined the Sisters of Charity, and in 1954 I professed my first vows.

I am presently a case manager at the Boulware Center, (in Owensboro) an emergency shelter for homeless people. Previously, I was on the staff at OASIS, a spouse abuse center, or victims of violence center, as a court advocate. After 11 years at OASIS, I felt a change would be good for me. I have been at Boulware for about 18 months. I assess people when they come in about how they can best be helped. Most of our clients are addicted to drugs or alcohol and have lost everything. We are the only facility in our area that take single men. If addiction be the case, they go through a 30 day program at another facility before returning to the center. In order to stay, they must keep up their aftercare programs, such as a 12-step program. I like the 12-step program because it is a spiritual path. It is a beautiful thing to witness once they accept that fact and grasp the concept.

I feel that I am where I am doing this type of work because I was given a compassionate heart. A combination of my talents and God have put me here. Everyday, I see the work of others giving back to God, really, in the true meaning of stewardship. There are countless doctors, dentists, agencies, retailers, and individuals who volunteer their time, talent and finances to help others. I feel so saddened in my heart when I see the individuals who come through our doors who haven’t had the blessings that I have in my life. Most haven’t had the encouragement, support, or love from family or anyone for that matter. I love my work.

On being a Senior Citizen, well, I really don’t think about it! As long as I am in good health and can function, I will continue to work. Maybe after I retire I will then spend my time volunteering. I have a great interest in prison ministry. My mother lived to be 97 and took care of herself very well until her death.

My greatest blessing, other than my faith, is my sense of purpose in life. I know I have a purpose each day, and that is very comforting.