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SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Mission, a Christian organization that provides aid to those who are homeless or in poverty, announced Wednesday that it has named two new directors, Pastor Paddy O'Connor and Pastor Shawn Clay.
The two were named by the Salt Lake City Mission's board of directors and will be co-directors under Pastor Wayne Wilson, who is the CEO and chairman of the board. O'Connor and Clay will oversee the day-to-day operations of the mission.
"They both possess the qualifications and expertise to grow Salt Lake City Mission into an even greater, more successful organization and create a lasting impact on our great state of Utah," said Pastor Wilson.
The two are replacing Pastor Joe Vazquez, who served in the area for seven years and recently decided to move closer to his family. He has accepted a role at a mission near Tampa Bay, Florida.
Pastors O'Connor and Clay both said that they are grateful to accept the position in such a "well-established and well-loved" organization.
Pastor Clay has been working with the Salt Lake City Mission since 2010 as head chaplain, and has spent time serving at the Road Home shelter and at other organizations. He said at one point in his life, he was homeless and addicted to drugs. But he said he was able to overcome these challenges by turning to God.
Pastor Clay said he has a passion for serving the poor and a dedication to the church.
"I have overcome through the power of God's willingness to redeem and have become a passionate tool who understands the adversities and hardship in the lives of others. I was truly saved and have truly served the needs of others with a true heart felt compassion," he said.
He said he has learned that all things are possible through God.
Pastor O'Connor said he was called by God to serve and minister in 1982, and he has worked in a variety of charitable settings since then including a halfway house. He has a master's degree in marriage and family counseling, and a doctorate in psychology and counseling.
"Over the years of staying dedicated, God has given me a passion for helping those who most of society hold in low regard. I have seen God redeem those society considers unredeemable and go on to better lives, which gives glory and honor to God. With God, all things are possible," he said.
Pastor O'Connor asked the community to pray that he and Pastor Clay will be able to address the greatest needs of the community, while creating even more opportunities for supporters to help.
The Salt Lake City Mission was founded in 1993, and has been serving the community for almost 30 years. It is part of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions.
The mission provides essential items to people in need, including services like counseling, residential rehabilitation, job placement, assistance with identification documents and educational assistance, the organization's website states.
The mission has also hosted service events like birthday parties for the homeless and gifts for Mother's Day.
