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A local minister with strong ties to the Samaritan House will become the homeless shelter’s new chief operating officer.
Justin Maurice Eshleman will assume the position July 1. He will be the shelter’s second COO following the departure of foundress Ginger Jernigan in February. Jernigan claimed she was dismissed from her duties without warrant and in an unjust manner.
The shelter’s social service employee, Vertelle Jameson, has served as the interim COO since February. Jameson will continue to work at the Samaritan House.
Eshleman says as the new COO, he will focus on the implementation of the shelter’s mission statement, which says it aims to serve the “physical, emotional, vocational and spiritual needs” of the homeless and to lead people to “a stronger, fuller life in accordance with the promises of God.”
“It is a monumental task,” Eshleman said. “If we can target and fulfill this mission, I feel there is nothing better for Orangeburg County that is as clear and helpful to the community.”
Eshleman says it is key to focus on the task at hand and to avoid distractions in carrying forth the mission at hand.
“The heart of this people is big enough so we can set the standard in the entire nation in providing assistance to those who are less fortunate,” he said.
According to a Samaritan House press release, the shelter board said Eshleman is the “most qualified individual to provide the leadership necessary to promote the vision and support” of the shelter and community.
About 13 applications came through for the COO position and six individuals were interviewed, with the process slowed due to salary discussions.
Eshleman will receive a base salary of about $30,000. The COO’s salary is completely funded through the private sector.
“It has been a long, challenging but exciting road,” shelter President and Chairman Dr. Marvin Wilson said. “The most important thing is that he (Eshleman) is one of the founding fathers of the organization. He brings wisdom, experience and a strong passion and love for the homeless. You can tell he cares for people. He has shown compassion and understanding to make them better people when they leave.”
A native South Carolinian and resident of Orangeburg, Eshleman is an ordained minister who has served as pastor of Jamison’s Mt. Carmel Baptist Church since July 1995. Eshleman will resign from his duties at the church to serve in his new capacity full time.
“I think I bring the pastor’s heart to the ministry and I believe that I will be able to work with other people,” Eshleman said, explaining that all working together for the benefit of the homeless will help the shelter become success. “It is a team.”
Service is nothing new for Eshleman.
His roots at the Samaritan House go back to when he served on the steering committee that launched the Samaritan House ministry.
Since that time, he has worked in numerous capacities within the ministry, including board president, board treasurer and part-time staff member. Eshleman has also served on various Samaritan House committees and has represented the organization before numerous community organizations.
He also serves as a volunteer chaplain for The Regional Medical Center and the City of Orangeburg Department of Public Safety.
In addition, Eshleman has more than 15 years of marketing, sales and management experience.
Eshleman holds a bachelor’s degree in general ministry from Columbia International University and an associate’s degree in practical theology from Christ for the Nations, Dallas, Texas. His education includes courses in business, management, accounting and economics.
He is married to Renea Eshleman, who serves as the Samaritan House recording secretary.
As COO, Eshleman says he will strive to strengthen the shelter’s relationship with local drug treatment centers such as the Dawn Center and The Regional Medical Center’s Rose Center.
“We don’t want this to be a Band-Aid,” he said. “When dealing with the homeless, we want to provide assistance to correct the root problem.”
To encourage community engagement, Eshleman says the public is invited to visit the shelter and to volunteer some time. Currently, the shelter needs a plumber, receptionist and a bookkeeper.
The shelter has also welcomed two new board members, Sandi Chaplin and Pamela Small.
Chaplin, who previously served as a founding board member and board secretary, is an instructor in the associate degree nursing program at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
Small is assistant professor of reading at Voorhees College.
Two other members are scheduled to join the board at the shelter’s June 26 meeting and other individuals have also expressed an interest in joining, Wilson said.
The arrival of new board members comes on the heels of six board resignations over the past three months. Reasons given for the resignations ranged from concerns regarding the dismissal of Jernigan, concerns over shelter operations and personal reasons.
Those wanting to volunteer at the shelter are asked to call 803-516-0040. Any donations may mailed to: The Samaritan House, 1580 Middleton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 or P.O. Box 2384, Orangeburg, SC 29116.
-- T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories on-line at TheTandD.com.