Community
Community
Hope Village for Children
Terri Province leans on experience to guide organization to the next level
Story by Glenda Sanders & Photos by Thomas Howard
Colorful signs with the words “ We Give Hope to Kids ” are popping up all over Lauderdale County , and the message is a motto Terri Province lives by as the new executive director of Hope Village for Children .
Province , who has served in various roles for the organization since its inception , officially assumed her new role in January .
“ I started as an administrative assistant , assistant ,” Province said of her beginnings with Hope Village . “ I have worked here since before we had kids , so I have been here for 23 years .”
Over the years , while holding down her job at Hope Village , she also found time to go to college full time . Province earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Mississippi State University and her Master of Pastoral Studies degree from Loyola University New Orleans .
She has worn many different hats at Hope Village throughout her career so she brings lots of experience of working with foster children , fundraising , and a good grasp of the legal and regulatory systems .
“ I ’ ve been the HR director , I ’ ve been the facilities supervisor , then chief operating officer , the financial officer , the comptroller ,” she said .
She also brings her compassion and understanding for Hope Village ’ s children . Just in talking with her , one can easily see the love she has for the children and the desire to give them hope for a future .
“ Terri assumes this great responsibility with the dedication , passion , knowledge and leadership skills that will continue to help Hope Village flourish ,” Sela Ward , who founded Hope Village for Children in 2000 , wrote
Terri Province begins new chapter as executive director of Hope Village for Children
16 • MERIDIAN LIFE