Mesquite Salvation Army Director Ennis steps down

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Mesquite Salvation Army Director Bill Ennis stepped down earlier this month after more than four years of leading the institution. Ennis turned over the position to his co-worker Star Flores who will fill in as interim director while a permanent director is being sought.

“It was a hard decision, for my wife and I to make,” Ennis said. “I loved what I did, but it is time to ease up, enjoy life, travel a little more and take care of some health issues.”

Ennis feels one of his biggest accomplishments was bringing the ladies from the Presbyterian Church on board in helping the Salvation Army. “For the past two years they provided food for twenty meals per month to be given out to needy families,” he said.

Another notable accomplishment had the Salvation Army provide food boxes to home hospice caregivers so that they do not have go shopping for food

“When I took over the Salvation Army they were serving 200 families per month,” Ennis said. “Now we are serving 1,000 families per month. We accomplished the task of serving the community because of the generous people in this community, my great staff and all the wonderful volunteers that helped me.”

Star Flores became emotional when talking about Ennis. “Bill has been a mentor and a source of inspiration to me,” she said. “We will miss him.”

Mesquite mayor Al Litman paid tribute to Ennis and the work he had done as director. “Bill has been a dedicated individual all his life,” Litman said. “From a long military career serving our country, to a dedicated human being that has helped others less fortunate. He will be greatly missed by the Salvation Army, and the many residents he has helped over the years.”

Debbie and Mike Benham worked with Ennis while putting on annual Parade of Lights Food Drive during the holidays.
“Bill goes above and beyond to help those in need,” Debbie said. “I will miss him dearly and I will continue to do my very best to support the Salvation Army.”

Realtor Karen Fielding that has helped the Salvation Army with her “Fill My Trunk” food drive and Golf for Kids toy drive. She said of Ennis, “I appreciate everything Bill has done for the Salvation Army and will miss him being at the helm. I look forward to seeing what he does in retirement.”