Ann McCullen, executive director of Edwards Street Fellowship Center, has been named 2018 Humanitarian of the Year by the Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg.
This annual award recognizes an area individual who has shared his or her time and talents to better the community and its citizens through acts of service. McCullen accepted news of the honor with grace and humility, giving credit for the success of Edwards Street Fellowship Center to the many individuals and organizations that faithfully support it.
“This award is an incredible honor for Edwards Street Fellowship Center,” McCullen said. “We will celebrate our 40th year of ministry in 2019, and this recognition by Junior Auxiliary is a tribute to each person who has been part of Edwards Street for four decades and whose vision, compassion, perseverance, and generosity have impacted lives across the Pine Belt.”
McCullen’sdaily efforts and her heart for service have positively contributed to the lives ofthousands of individuals over the years. As executive director of ESFC, McCullen currently leads various community services and facilities with an unwavering core mission: to shine the light of God's love.
McCullen says one of her favorite Bible verses is Micah 6:8. The verse reads, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." McCullen says this verse is brought to life at Edwards Street.
“I see it every day at Edwards Street – people coming together to show mercy and respect to those around them. Whether it's the folks who are receiving groceries and medical care, or the ones who are making those services possible, I love seeing how people at Edwards Street represent the best of the human spirit,” McCullen said.
McCullen has been a resident of Hattiesburg for 27 years. She has served at Edwards Street in a leadership role since 2013 and began serving the organization as a board member in 2010. She is the former children’s ministry director at Heritage United Methodist Church in West Hattiesburg. McCullen earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and is a Jackson Preparatory High School graduate.
As the Junior Auxiliary Humanitarian of the Year, McCullen will receive a $500 grant to be donated to the 501(c)(3) organization of her choice. In addition, a $500 scholarship will be awarded in her name to a deserving area high school senior. She believes the college scholarship for an area senior is an admirable part of the JA Humanitarian of the Year program.
“It's very special to me that a deserving high school senior will be recognized for his or her humanitarian efforts. My daughter, Elizabeth, received the JA Humanitarian scholarship when she graduated from Oak Grove High School in 2013. I think it's important for young people to realize that they don't have to wait until they're adults to improve others' lives. The exciting reality is that everyone, regardless of their age, can do something to make our community better and brighter,” McCullen said.
Initially, Edwards Street Fellowship Center was solely focused on the Hattiesburg community with a mission of strengthening families and individuals and meeting special needs. Today, Edwards Street Fellowship Center has grown into a tremendous asset to the Pine Belt region, providing monthly supplemental food to more than 1,400 families in Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lamar and Wayne Counties. Additionally, the center’s medical clinic serves patients in Forrest and Lamar Counties, and the thrift store, located on Lincoln Road close to the
“I am thankful to have a front row seat to seeing people from all around the Hattiesburg area come together to bring hope to those who need a helping hand,” McCullen said.
Former JA Humanitarian of the Year recipients include Richard Potin, Iva Brown, Dr. Richard Conville, Father Tommy Conway, Jack Kennedy, Rev. Henry Craft, Dr. Etoile DuBard, Dr. D. B. Conerly, Rev. Bill Prout, Joey Pace, Russ Hendley, and Cindy Pennington.
For more information about Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg, visit hattiesburgjuniorauxiliary.org.
