Shepherd of the Hills welcomes new coordinator who is driven by faith

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

Guided by a mission to enrich lives, do good work and encourage others to do the same, Heather Hageman recently took the position of coordinator at Shepherd of the Hills (SOTH), looking to fill the big shoes left by previous coordinator Heather Crogan.

Hageman, who was raised in Monona before moving to Decorah after graduating in 1992, returned to the area and settled in Farmersburg in October. She immediately started putting her energy into good works of faith. 

It’s a faith that’s followed her since she was a little girl, attending church on Sundays with her parents and grandparents. It was a place where she was welcomed with open arms, where hugs and thanks were passed with great joy and a sense of appreciation ran strong through the congregation. 

From a young age, Hageman started volunteering at church, joining the bell choir and adult choir and even reading at the Christmas service. It was a “special time,” and though she admittedly lost her way for a few years, she has reconnected and fully committed to faith, feeling “humbled to be a part of the church.” 

This re-connection led her to the coordinator position at SOTH, where she can put that faith into action, strengthening and supporting other congregations, organizations and the ministry as a whole. It’s a place where she can help people, especially children and families in need, providing essential assistance in times of crisis. 

It’s a calling as much as it is a position that allows Hageman to “do some great things for the communities and churches.”

“I have always tried to lend a hand and help all my life. My parents taught me that early on. The fact that I can do it every day and meet new people—that is rewarding to me. The mission we follow helps so many people in need,” Hageman said. 

Hageman will be involved in a large capacity with SOTH services and activities. That includes providing services to people referred from other agencies such as WIC and community action. Other activities are more community-oriented, like the Back to School project which serves Clayton County. According to Hageman, that project alone assisted over 185 kids with school supplies last year. 

Then there is the coat drive during the winter months, which provides warm clothing for those who need it, and the Christmas for Kids project, where referred families can add to the holiday and make it “extra special for their children.” This project gives toys, clothes and other essentials to families during the holiday season—a time for giving. Generosity is borne out by the donations that make such projects possible. 

“We truly are blessed to have the support from the area.  I feel that, even if people don’t have the extra funds to support us, donating gently used clothing and kitchen items still is helping. It all comes around full fold at the end of the day,” Hageman said. 

But one of the biggest areas Hageman will be involved in is also one of the biggest challenges she will face in her new role. That is overseeing the thrift store, which the church has been converted into. It’s a place where people can shop, usually for free through referral, or by paying the minimal prices, such as a dollar for most items, if you’re not referred. 

Thrift store shopping is a passion for Hageman, who described the hunt for clothes as “fun.” This passion is driving her goal to make the thrift store in the church a shopping destination for everyone, not just those who have been referred. 

“My goal is to make this a place all people want to come to. The environment is friendly and welcoming. My goal is to organize the store so things are easier to find. I’m almost done with that, but that is always a work in progress,” Hageman added. 

Another challenge Hageman talked about combating is the misconceptions people have about SOTH and what the organization does. Hageman mentioned the notion that SOTH only helps people of the Lutheran faith, which couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, SOTH helps all religious denominations. 

There is also a belief that the church only helps the needy, especially as it relates to the thrift store, but as mentioned above, Hageman was adamant that anyone can shop at the thrift store. 

She also noted how some people still think SOTH holds actual services, but it does not any longer, having been converted into a clothing center and an office where Hageman works. 

Additionally, Hageman wanted to make it clear SOTH is not part of the Clayton County Food Shelf, though they are located in the same building and often work together on projects. They are separate entities. 

Perhaps the most noteworthy misconception has to do with donations. Hageman called it a “daunting topic,” mostly because there is a widespread belief that, if you can only donate a little, it won’t help very much. That often prevents people from donating. 

However, this is simply not the case. In fact, according to Hageman, it’s the little donations that drive the success of projects. 

“If everyone can contribute, even if it is a little, together it pools into a big, generous fund to help so many people and especially our young ones. I would like to spread the word of our mission more by visiting the churches and talking about what good we are doing for the communities and the people who live in them,” Hageman said. “An act of kindness goes a long way when we can do it together.”

As for the future, Hageman jokingly admitted she will be “learning as she goes” for awhile, having just returned to the area and still learning the ropes of the new job. While she expects a “bit of a chaotic first year,” she believes that, with a little patience from the community and through her faith, she is up to the challenge. 

“The most rewarding part of this job is knowing that I can help others in tough times. I have been in those shoes in the past, wondering how I can make it from month to month. I have learned that God works in mysterious ways and this is what I was meant to do at this particular point in my life,” Hageman said.

Shepherd of the Hills is located at 100 W. Hill St., in St. Olaf. For more info, call (563) 783-2409 or email shephill@neitel.net.