Servant Leadership in Action: Kathy Chapman and the Heart of the Ambassador Program

At its core, being a Samaritan’s Feet Ambassador is about servant leadership. It means showing up with compassion, creating space for dignity, and meeting people where they are. Ambassadors help transform moments of service into meaningful connections, and Kathy Chapman embodies those qualities in the way she serves alongside Samaritan’s Feet.

Kathy’s path to the Ambassador Program began in a season of reflection. After spending decades in performance-driven corporate roles and facing the loss of her husband, she reached a point where she wanted her time and energy to be invested in something that aligned more closely with her values. Service had always been part of her life through her church and local community, so when she needed to make big decisions about next steps, service remained at the center.

It just so happened that Kathy’s longtime church friend was also serving as Samaritan’s Feet missions coordinator. Through that connection, Kathy was introduced to the Ambassador Program and the mission behind it. While she did not rush into a decision, the heart of Samaritan’s Feet stayed with her.

“I set aside the opportunity for a while, but I just kept coming back to it,” Kathy shared. “It fit with how I wanted to live.”

Before committing, Kathy wanted to experience the mission firsthand. She volunteered at a two-day Samaritan’s Feet distribution in Florida, serving at both a school and church event. That weekend gave her a clear picture of what the Ambassador Program represents: collaboration, compassion, and communities coming together to deliver hope.

“I loved it,” she said. “You think you are there to serve, but you leave feeling incredibly blessed.”

Since becoming an ambassador, Kathy has helped lead and support multiple shoe distributions across Florida, many of them focused on serving seniors. One event in St. Petersburg left a lasting impression. Seniors arrived wearing worn shoes or slippers, patiently waiting not only for footwear, but also for care and connection. Kathy spent much of the day walking the room, sitting with those waiting, listening to their stories, and offering encouragement.

“In moments like that, the shoes matter,” Kathy reflected, “but I’ve seen how the encouragement matters just as much.”

That balance is at the heart of our Ambassador Program. Ambassadors do more than help distribute shoes. They help create environments where people feel seen, valued, and respected. Kathy also sees this reflected in the volunteers who serve alongside her, many of whom are seniors themselves, showing up with joy, humility, and a willingness to give.

“By the end of the day, it feels like a community,” she said. “Everyone shows up with the same heart.”

Another aspect of the Ambassador Program that stood out to Kathy is the trust and support she receives from the Samaritan’s Feet team. As an ambassador, she feels empowered to lead authentically, supported without being micromanaged, and encouraged to serve in ways that reflect her strengths.

“This role gives me purpose I am proud of,” Kathy shared. “It reminds me that doing something, even on a small scale, can make a real difference.”

When asked what excites her most about what is ahead, Kathy’s answer reflects the spirit of Samaritan’s Feet: “the next event.” The next opportunity to serve. The next chance to meet someone new. The next moment to give hope.

Kathy’s story is one example of how the Samaritan’s Feet Ambassador Program brings together people from different backgrounds who share a heart for service. Ambassadors serve as local leaders, encouragers, and connectors, helping turn compassion into action within their own communities.

If Kathy’s journey resonates with you, we invite you to learn more about the Samaritan’s Feet Ambassador Program and consider how your own story and heart for service could help deliver hope, one step at a time.