Family Promise of Beaufort County Shines the Spotlight on Leslie Heavener

As a volunteer driven organization, we are shining the spotlight each month on one of our dedicated volunteers who are the heart of Family Promise. They work tirelessly and greatly deserve our thanks and recognition!

In February, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Leslie Heavener, a member of Christ Lutheran Church located on Hilton Head Island.  Four times per year Leslie’s congregation hosts Family Promise guests. “I believe it is one way we can work ‘hands on’ to help those who have fallen on hard times,” Leslie explains. “As our pastor says, helping homeless families is where the rubber meets the road.”  

Leslie volunteers at Christ Lutheran with Elsa Felton who is the lead for their hosting activities. Chris Wilcox often coordinates the folks who bring dinner each evening.  They in turn coordinate efforts with volunteers from All Saints Episcopal, Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head Island Community Church and St. Francis by the Sea which are all support congregations. “We jointly make all our decisions and together share responsibilities during our host weeks,” Leslie says. “Everyone, regardless of their congregation, contributes and that’s how we are best able to help those we serve.”

Leslie has been a member of Christ Lutheran for more than three years.  She has been involved with Family Promise for more than 10 years, including the time she was involved in Augusta, Ga. where she and her family previously lived for 40 years.

When looking for a new church home, Leslie’s personal commitment to Family Promise and its mission impacted her decision about joining a church.  Once her family moved full time to Hilton Head, they found Christ Lutheran to be the best fit. “I have been blessed in so many ways and it’s important for me to give back when I can,” she says. “One person cannot change the world, but you might change the world for one person.”

Leslie and her husband, Gary, have been married 51 years.  Their daughter, her husband and their two children live in Beaufort.  Her son, his wife, and their two children live in Washington, DC.

Over the years, Leslie’s family loved vacationing on Hilton Head and when they retired they wanted to be near family in Beaufort.  They have been here full time for five years and before that owned a condo in Sea Pines where they enjoyed weekends and family vacations. When they left Augusta it was a natural fit for them to move to the Low Country.

With her love of the outdoors, one of Leslie’s favorite things about living on Hilton Head is the wonderful weather enjoyed year round.  She also likes being part of a smaller community and living near two of her four grandchildren. Leslie and Gary travel as much as they can and when at home take long walks with their dog.

In addition to her volunteer work with Family Promise, Leslie is a past Board Member of the Heritage Farm Association in Sea Pines, where she still has a garden plot. She and Gary greatly enjoy gardening there throughout the year.  She is also Team Leader for Social Ministry and a Council member at Christ Lutheran.

​Leslie exemplifies the many dedicated volunteers who make it possible for Family Promise to assist homeless children and their families.  We greatly thank you for all that you do!