Susan McHargue is the coordinator for women’s activities at The Salvation Army. She is married to Wayne McHargue, area commander in Northeast Florida.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
“The wife of any area commander is automatically the coordinator of women’s activities. I am responsible for the women’s department, including services we provide to women in local units, ongoing services called Home League, weekly programs for women, education and character building. We have a volunteer group that helps do fundraising and other projects. I am responsible for those groups as well.”
HOW LONG IN JACKSONVILLE?
The McHargues were appointed to the Northeast Florida area command three years ago.
WHAT DEMOGRAPHIC DO YOU SERVE?
“Some programs are open for the general public. A lot of work is done with people of low-income or families at risk. We provide social services, a prison release program, counseling and spiritual ministry. We have a child development center and, on the other end, senior programs for men and women. We provide services from the cradle to the grave.”
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
Every Christmas shoppers see Salvation Army workers ringing bells. Donations go to toys and food for low-income and homeless persons.
WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW
“The Salvation Army is a denomination that comes out of the Methodist doctrine. It’s similar to the Nazarene faith. It’s a conservative, biblical-based, fundamental doctrine. The military terminology was not there in the beginning. When it had been in existence for a couple of years, the thought was our work is spiritual warfare. Our hymns had a military theme so we went all the way. Our churches are called corps, we have brass bands and the organizational structure is a military hierarchy.”
HOW REGIMENTATION HELPS
“We’ve found that it [the organizational structure] is an advantage. For example, when a disaster strikes we can mobilize units and get there within hours. They are able to call on us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, day or night.”
WHAT HER RANK AS MAJOR MEANS
“The red trim signifies an officer who has been through training and has committed their life to work at the Salvation Army.”
WHAT TRAINING IS INVOLVED?
A seminary of sorts, the two-year program includes field training. Both McHargue and her husband are ordained ministers and have performed services at their church on Sunday.
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE GROUP?
“When I was young I started going to their program called the Sunbeams, which was like the Girl Scouts. Then I began going to Sunday school at the Salvation Army. My mother became a member when I was 10 and I decided that was what I wanted to do with my life. My husband came in through the Boys Club in North Carolina and learned to play the horn.” The couple have both been officers for 37 years.
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT BEING A MAJOR?
“To actually see people changing their position in life and bettering themselves. A lot of the people we work with seem so hopeless when they come in. To give them support and to make positive changes is gratifying. It’s heart-warming to hear about how The Salvation Army changed their lives where otherwise they would be dead or on the streets.”
WHAT’S MOST CHALLENGING?
“Working with people who have a lot of baggage. They don’t always change and it’s frustrating. They can’t seem to rise above their circumstances. Any social service person will tell you this. You can get burned out and it can take a toll on the care giver.”
HOW DO YOU AVOID BURN OUT?
“Being positive and thinking about positive things so my spirit doesn’t get dragged down. Sometimes you have to work at it. People are so appreciative, that’s refreshing.”
WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELIEVE STRESS?
Needlepoint, writing, walking and antiquing. Her choice for comic relief is “Cheers.” Otherwise, she’s visiting museums, watching The Food Channel or eating breakfast at Metro Diner.
EDUCATION
McHargue holds a master’s degree in philosophy from Georgia State and a doctorate in adult education from the University of Georgia.
BEFORE SHE SIGNED UP
McHargue made her living as a secretary. She also worked as a public assistant specialist at the Department of Human Services.
HOMETOWN
Lakeland, Fla.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
“We move on average of about every three years. It’s part of our system. In the Methodist church, pastors are appointed. We don’t decide where to go, we are assigned positions. I’ve lived in about 17 or 18 different cities in the Southeast.”
HER FAMILY
The McHargues reside in Charter Point (north of JU) and have two sons. Wayne Jr. is the comptroller for the national office of United Way and David is a jazz guitarist in Tulsa.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“I admire Dr. James Dobson [from “Focus on the Family” radio commentary] greatly because he works so hard for family values, which is what we try to do as well. He’s had to take lots of criticism but seems so sterling. Also, the more I know about Martin Luther King Jr., the more I like him. To hear his speeches, there was such depth to him.”
— by Monica Chamness