Faith Mission's Directors Team
Answering the call to serve
Our Story
The Faith Mission leadership team brings together over 100 combined years of experience in many different fields of service. Our passion is to fulfil Christ's call to serve others, and to treat every client or customer with dignity and respect. Our diverse backgrounds allow us to address every challenge as an opportunity to show Faith in our Mission.
Meet the Team
CEO
JD Young
J.D. became Executive Director of Faith Mission in 2003 and currently serves as the mission’s CEO and Visionary Leader. He attended Abilene Christian University, where he met his wife, Xanna. After settling in Colorado for a period of time, he and his wife moved to Grand Prairie, Texas where J.D. became the Assistant Executive Director of the DHUD Urban Renewal Program. In 1967, he became Executive Director of the Brenham Urban Renewal Agency, and developed projects connected with the growth of Blinn College, neighborhood redevelopment and downtown renewal. In the following years, he started several businesses related to mechanical contracting and home construction. These business ventures eventually led him to Houston, where he remained for over twenty-five years working in building automation, electrical equipment sales for oil refineries, and manufacturing plants. This work allowed him to travel the United States and internationally. He and his wife are members of the Brenham Church of Christ, where he has served in a leadership role for over 25 years.
Executive Director
Randy Wells
Randy Wells serves as the Executive Director of Faith Mission, serving the 15 member board. Randy holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans. Although he wears many hats at Faith Mission, his primary responsibilities include: overseeing all programs and clinical services, as well as supervision of program staff and university/college interns. He serves as the Administrator of the Washington County Health & Service Center, provides leadership for Brenham ISD’s SMART-CARE Kids program; is a member of the Blinn College Board of Trustees and serves on several local boards. Randy and his wife Nelda have been blessed with two beautiful children Randi and Thomas, and are active members in their church, Mt. Rose MBC Brenham
Client Services Director
Pam Mossbarger
Pam Mossbarger is the Director of Client Services at Faith Mission. Pam serves as the point-person for Salvation Army Bell Ringing, and assists with case management, food pantry, donations, volunteers, events, and human resources. Pam is the one to contact if you have resources or employment opportunities which may be of use to the clients of Faith Mission. She holds both bachelors and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and is an active member of 1st Baptist Church Brenham. Pam and her husband, Steve, have four children and nine grandchildren. In her free time, Pam enjoys activities with her family.
Operations Director
Lawrence Greer
Lawrence Greer brings almost 25 years of private entrepreneurial experience to Faith Mission, serving as Operations Director for the multi-campus facility. Lawrence is responsible for the daily operations of The Cannery Kitchen, both in-house dining and catering services. He also oversees the food pantry for Faith Mission, ensuring it remains in compliance with all state and federal regulations, and facilitates employee training and life skills management programs for Faith Mission. Lawrence and his wife, Lisa, have 5 children, 5 grandchildren, and are active in their local church and community. Lawrence enjoys playing the upright bass while performing with his family band.
Director of Thrift Operations
Susan Lemel
Susan Lemel is the General Manager of Higgins resale shops. Her love of merchandising and retail was developed at a young age, as she grew up helping her father as he managed a chain of retail clothing stores. “I love creating an enjoyable shopping experience,” says Susan. “Higgins is a resale shop, but I train my staff to look for quality, name brand merchandise that consumers will buy. We offer gently used items for a great value. Our work here truly is a mission. Our thrift operations are the life-blood of this organization, providing the funds to support our clients and staff.” When not working, Susan enjoys time with her family and grandchildren. She has a passion for decorating, creating, and cooking. Susan loves reading and studying the Bible, and teaches Bible study at Faith Mission each week.
Front Desk Volunteer
Xanna Young
Xanna Young is one of the first people that potential clients will meet when they arrive at Faith Mission’s Help Center, located at 500 E. Academy St. in Brenham. Mrs. Young helps clients out the initial paperwork required before they are assigned to a case manager. Xanna, who is a full-time volunteer, serves as the “air traffic controller,” navigating clients through the proper channels with grace and hospitality. She also manages the database for grocery day, which serves anywhere from 40 to 110 families each Thursday. Xanna and her husband, JD, have two children and enjoy visiting their six grandchildren. When she not working at the mission, Xanna can be found church, at one of the elementary schools reading to through the “CARS” program, or resting before another week at Faith Mission.
Accountant
Shirley McCord
Shirley McCord serves as the bookkeeper for Faith Mission’s multiple campuses. Shirley enjoys traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Director of Medical Assistance Program
Dalia Vela
Mrs. Vela is the Director of the Faith Mission Medical Assistance Program (MAP), the assistant administrator for the Faith Mission/Washington County Health and Service Center, as well as executive administrative assistant to the executive director of Faith Mission. She brings over 33 years of experience working with indigent individuals with medical and prescriptions needs. Her passion for working with individuals who cannot afford medications developed after experiencing the loss of both her mother and father as a result of cardiovascular disease. Dalia and her husband John will be married over 37 years and are proud parents of an adult son Mike C. Vela
Clinical Director of WIC Program
Lea Hearnsberger
Lea Hearnsberger serves as the Clinical Director of the Faith Mission WIC Program. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin with a degree in food and nutrition. In 1994 she completed an internship program and became a Registered Dietitian (RD). She began working for the Northeast Texas Public Health District in 1999 as a nutritionist. In 2000 she was promoted to clinic manager and RD. In 2012, she moved to Bryan Texas to work for the Bryan WIC program as a RD. In early 2016 she began working as a Clinical Director and RD for Faith Mission WIC program, where she currently serves. Her hobbies include baking, cross stitching and spending time with her 2 grandchildren. Lea loves to help others as Christ did.
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Case Worker
Rosemary Osborne
Rosemary is the caseworker for Faith Mission. She helps
individuals secure rent and utility assistance, as well as shelter and food pantry services. She has aspired to bring encouragement to all who find themselves facing financial challenges and difficult situations. As a native of Washington County, she has been dedicated to serving her community in the areas of Licensed Vocational Nursing, pastoral care, intercessory prayer, and emotional healing, with a personal interest and responsibility in “equipping the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11). Rosemary is the mother of four wonderful children and a grandmother to five delightful grandchildren.
Cannery Host
Bill Hughes
Sadly, Bill left us too soon, but before being called Home, he took such great joy in greeting our Cannery guests, and sharing in their lives. We will always remember him for truly loving people the way Jesus calls us to love. We miss you, Bill!
Administrative Office Assistant
Teretha Hallford
“It is a JOY to serve the community.”
Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, where I worked with several Salvation Army Corps across the Southern Territory, assisting with Social Services, community work, disaster work, and Salvation Army Summer Camps. I have three amazing children. Here at Faith Mission, I greet the clients as they arrive, answer phones, perform data entry, assist clients with paperwork, receive donations, prepare vouchers for the clients, restock food pantry shelves, and prepare boxes for food distribution at Faith Mission’s Food Pantry.