Board of Directors Spotlight: PENNY SOUTH

We are thrilled to introduce our Board of Directors to the community! Over the coming months, we’ll be shining the spotlight on our Board members. Our Board helps to set the vision of our organization and guides our practices to ensure that we stay true to our mission. First up, meet Wanda “Penny” South!

Wanda, who is known by most as “Penny,” is the newest member of our Board of Directors. Penny fills an important spot on our Board, representing veterans who were formerly homeless. “When I was homeless,” says Penny, “I always said that I would one day give back once I got on my feet.” That day arrived 20 years ago when Penny began serving in our Mohm’s Place kitchen. She’s been committed to our mission ever since, and now she uses her lived experience of homelessness and her position as a veteran for the good of our organization.

In her life outside of New Visions, Penny has been employed at Mutual of Omaha for 11 years, is a member of Toastmasters, and also serves as the Franklin Elementary School Booster Club Secretary. Additionally, Penny spends her free time traveling and caring for her family, which includes 5 grandchildren and a great grandson! When asked why she gives her time to serving with New Visions, Penny says “At 20 years old, I was homeless with a child and someone helped me. Now I can pay it forward and help someone else. I want people to know that anything is possible with God, He has a message in the mess of life.”

We’re so grateful that the “mess of life” brought Penny to New Visions. Oh, and if you’re wondering about that nickname… when her grandfather came home from the war, he would offer coins to his grandkids and she would always pick out the pennies. The nickname stuck and so did Penny’s penchant for picking good causes to support. We’re grateful for Penny’s presence and encouragement as she serves on our Board of Directors!