Celebrating 45 Years of Compassionate Service
Teresa Hensley is a calming light for the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program in Council Bluffs, Iowa. After 45 years of dedicated service, Teresa is preparing for her retirement next month.
Teresa was referred to Catholic Charities by a close friend and her passion for helping and serving others inspired her to stay. Her dedication has been instrumental in creating a warm and welcoming environment for those seeking help during their more vulnerable moments. She is and has been an integral part of the Catholic Charities’ team.
Throughout the years, Teresa has “worn many hats.” She has served as an office manager for the counseling program, managed a food pantry that was once located in Council Bluffs and operated a financial assistance program. Currently, Teresa also plays a key role in the operations of our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. She has been vital in securing grant funding sources to support the program. Her contributions have made an immeasurable impact on the survivors Catholic Charities serves.
“It has been an interesting 45 years,” said Teresa. “I have greatly enjoyed my time with Catholic Charities, the people I work with and the clients I have helped serve over the years.”
“Over the decades, Teresa has been the first calming voice people hear when entering our building or calling our program seeking some relief. She withstood all the trials and turbulences of the changing time with flexibility and adaptability as she believes in the services Catholic Charities provides,” said Catholic Charities Assistant Director of Programs, Southwest Iowa, Sapana Sharma, in an article by The Catholic Mirror.
“She is an extremely dependable, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, organized, ethical worker who strives to ensure that our resources are properly utilized by our clients. Teresa’s belief and support in our Catholic Charities’ mission, her timely suggestions and occasional reminders of “what not to do,” helps our whole team stay focused and on track. I am so grateful to know her and have her as my work partner,” Sapana continued.
In her free time, Teresa enjoys gardening and taking wildlife photos. She also enjoys spending time with her family and taking on new challenges. She is grateful for her years at Catholic Charities. As Teresa prepares for her well-deserved retirement, we celebrate her and the legacy she is leaving behind. Her compassion and dedication are a reminder of the great impact one person can have in the lives of many.
