Tyreka Brandon has found her purpose in working at The Salvation Army.
Brandon became the shelter director at The Salvation Army in Jefferson City two years ago. She said she's always loved to help others, but the shelter - and the people she works with and assists - is where she fell in love with her work.
"I believe The Salvation Army gave me a sense of purpose. It made me realize what I wanted to do with the rest of my life," Brandon said. "It changed the trajectory of my life. ... It made me a better person."
Brandon said she was working as a community support specialist with Pathways, where she began working with those suffering from homelessness. In that role, she said, she began going to The Salvation Army's shelter, Center of Hope, for outreach work.
"I started to talk to a lot of the residents and a lot of the staff that was there, and I fell in love," Brandon said. "I absolutely fell in love with what Salvation Army stands for and their mission. ... It's been the most amazing thing I've ever done."
Her work can be difficult, and Brandon said she does struggle with some of the more trying aspects of her job, especially when situations arise where she can't help.
"You want to be able to help them sometimes to a point where it's heartbreaking," Brandon said. "You can't help them more than they want to help themselves. ... That's the most difficult aspect of my job."
It's incredibly hard, she said, when she can see the potential in someone, what they are capable of doing, but is unable to get them to see that in themselves. But she said it's something she has to accept in order to continue doing her job.
And as difficult as those moments are, Brandon said it's hard to express the joy and gratification in seeing someone succeed.
"It's the most amazing thing to see someone walk into the shelter in the most vulnerable state that they've ever been in in their life and to walk out with the biggest confidence," Brandon said.
When she is able to see someone leave the shelter and go to their own residence, Brandon said, it's the most incredible feeling to know she was part of their journey.
"I always tell myself that if I'm able to change one person's life, I did what I was supposed to do," Brandon said.
At the shelter, Brandon manages the social services as well as the shelter, attending meetings and getting involved in community projects to help raise awareness of homelessness in the area. The Center of Hope is a 40-bed shelter serving single women, single men and families.
Brandon said The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers to help with serving and preparing food, or in the food pantry, as well as seeking donations for things like hygiene products and blankets.