WAYNESBORO–“Helping hands – helping hearts … neighbors helping neighbors with basic human services” embodies the spirit of the new executive director of Waynesboro Community and Human Service.
Morgan Hovermale took over the role in 2023 after Denise Esser, the director for more than 10 years, retired.
“I genuinely like helping others in the community,” said Hovermale, who has lived in Waynesboro with her family for about six years. “This just seemed like a good fit.
“I met Denise and some board members at the interview and knew I wanted to be part of such a wonderful organization,” she added. “I have big shoes to fill and I want to continue to do all the things we do and improve on them.”
WCHS and its predecessors have been serving the community for almost 90 years. In 2011, Waynesboro Welfare Association (formed in 1931) and Waynesboro Area Human Services Council (founded in 1979) merged to become WCHS.
Located at 123 Walnut St. in Waynesboro, WCHS provides a central location for a variety of human services needed by low income residents of Waynesboro Area and Greencastle-Antrim school districts such as clothing, food and diaper banks, emergency financial assistant, community nurse office and a number of counseling services.
Hovermale isn’t the only new face at WCHS. “We have a new financial assistance manager and outreach manager and I knew there was going to be a lot of change and my biggest concern was getting through that period.”
Hovermale’s duties include general oversight of all the different departments at WCHS. “I handle all of the reporting and paperwork, general operations, and occasionally meet with clients for certain things, or outreach,” she added.
The new director, who has a bachelor’s degree in human services administration, switched her major from teaching after she started working at an adult day program. “I really fell in love with the field and helping others.”
“What we do at WCHS is extremely important and there is a growing need for the services we provide. This is a well oiled machine and having the support of local churches and individuals in the community helps us meet those needs.”
One of Hovermale’s goals was the implementation of case management services for clients. “We are already in the process of that and working with Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance to do so,” she noted.
“It means a deeper dive into what’s going on with the clients, outlining their goals and improving their situation … more than just paying a bill, etc.
“This is on a more personal level, such as if a client is looking for budgeting help or looking for work. We will be able to help with their resume, where and how to apply. It is just a more in-depth way to help them reach their goals to help them improve their situation.”
Hovermale said the most rewarding part of her new job is “having our clients be successful or receive the help they need. I’m so lucky to have the team I have, even with all the change. It’s been really great so far and I genuinely love working with them to help our clients. I encourage those who don’t know what we do to come in and find out or look on our website.
