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Fennell named executive director of Shining Light
CHARLESTON, Mo. — Entering its 20th year of service and ministry to Mississippi County and surrounding areas, Shining Light Outreach announced Glenn Fennell as the new executive director.
“I love Charleston with all my heart, and any way I can help this community, I am all in,” Fennell said.
His love of helping people is what drives him to minister to those in need.
“My goal as director is to keep the positive energy that comes from this ministry,” Fennell said. “Serving God brings so much joy to the heart, and we here at Shining Light want everyone to know that we are here for them.”
Shining Light Outreach Center was founded as a volunteer-run ministry in 2003 and presently serves as the largest food pantry, clothes closet and resource center in Mississippi County. In 2022, Shining Light provided over 232,333 pounds of fresh produce and bakery items, served over 45,000 individuals and 21,000 families who suffer from food insecurity. In total, SLOC distributed a total of 510,505 pounds of food during the monthly and weekly food pantries along with senior boxes.
A lifelong resident of the Charleston area where he was raised in Alfalfa Center, Fennell is a 1985 graduate of Charleston High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University from 1985-88. He joined the Missouri Army National Guard and served from 1987-1995. During this time, he married the late Denise Gillespie Fennell, and is now married to Wonda Fennell. Together, they have nine children and 16 grandchildren.
Throughout his career, Fennell worked for the City of Charleston Public Works Department, Missouri Judiciary Department, and most recently, retired from the Missouri Department of Corrections, where he worked as warehouse supervisor. Fennell is a member of St. Paul MB Church (Henson community) where he is an usher and youth Sunday school teacher.
Over the years, Fennell served as past commissioner and coach for the Charleston Little League Football Association, Boy Scouts Pack No. 33 (Charleston) past den leader, Charleston Concerned Citizens member, Charleston R-1 School board past president and member, Charleston Nutrition Center past president and member, and currently presides as the Charleston Lions Club President. When he is not serving in one of these many organizations, Fennell said he enjoys gardening, working on cars, spending time with his family and especially cooking barbecue.
Fennell said he joined the Shining Light Outreach board in 2020 because of the tremendous services the organization and its volunteers provide to the community.
“I want to see us helping the community for the next 20-30 years,” Fennell said. “If there is something we can help the community with, we will be glad to help.”
Shining Light is located at 721 W. Marshall St. in Charleston and encourages anyone suffering from hunger, lack of clothing/household items, diapers, or hygiene items to call 573-683-2555 and ask for assistance. Shining Light offers prayer support and a children’s Sunday afternoon worship program. The organization is solely funded by donations and is in need of funds to continue to provide these much needed services free of charge. For more information about Shining Light or to make a donation, visit www.shininglightoutreach.org.