Greenwood Honors Alice Hodges with Celebratory Day of Reflection and Gratitude

Greenwood Celebrates Alice Hodges Day with Sunshine and Gratitude

The morning sun beamed down on Greenwood as it commemorated a truly inspirational leader. It was a day of mixed emotions—part admiration, part nostalgia, and wholly appreciation—under a sky that promised sunshine and a few afternoon clouds, with the temperatures climbing to a comfortable 77°F. You could feel the warmth, not just from the weather with NE winds gently blowing at 5 to 10 mph, but from the hearts of many gathered to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: Alice Hodges’ two-decade journey as Executive Director of Meg’s House.

A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication

Meg’s House, a pillar of hope for many in the community, offers sanctuary and resources for individuals fleeing domestic violence. Throughout the years, Alice Hodges has become synonymous with resilient leadership and unwavering empathy. Her guiding hands have seen countless children and adults transition from turmoil into brighter, safer futures. To date, over 1,700 women and 2,100 children have found solace and a fresh start, thanks to the services at Meg’s House.

From providing essential basics like food, clothing, and living space to offering medical help and mental health counseling, Hodges and her team ensure that every person who walks through their doors feels supported. It’s a lifeline to many who have bravely decided to seek protection and stability.

A Day to Remember

The town came alive on September 13, 2024, with spirits high and hearts full of gratitude. The day was declared Alice Hodges Day by an enthusiastic proclamation from Mayor Brandon Smith. Attendees included a mixed crowd of friends, colleagues, and community leaders, all eager to share their stories of Hodges’ selfless service.

Mamie Nicholson, a notable community figure, poignantly described Hodges’ tenure as fitting a whole lifetime of work into two decades. Meanwhile, Natalie Talbert, a fellow advocate and former SLED agent, highlighted Hodges’ incredible capacity for empathy and friendship amidst such demanding circumstances.

Words of Praise and Acts of Kindness

The ceremony also saw several other community leaders, such as State Senator Floyd Nicholson, emphasize how a strong organization like Meg’s House thrives because of capable leaders like Hodges. Even in the spotlight, Hodges remained humble, crediting her successes to her talented staff, a sentiment echoed by Bettie Rose Horne.

The event concluded on a sweet note with a creative gesture—a cake shaped like a Nike Air Force 1 shoe. This amusing yet heartfelt tribute was a nod to Hodges’ preference for comfortable shoes as she goes about her nurturing and healing work.

The Forecast of Hope

While the eventful day wound down, the skies promised to remain partly cloudy, offering a peaceful low of 54°F to cap off the celebrations. As the community retired for the evening under the same gentle NE winds, hearts remained kindled with renewed commitment to Hodges’ mission. Her story is more than just a narrative of leadership; it’s an account of compassion and the enduring impact one person can make in a community.

Greenwood’s residents went home not just with memories of a sunny day but informed with the awareness of how many lives Alice Hodges has touched. Her ability to combine knowledge with empathy has not only empowered those around her but has also turned Meg’s House into a beacon of hope for future generations. As the day drew to a close, one couldn’t help but feel that the She has yet more chapters to write in her mission against domestic violence.