Changing of the Guard

Dom Korbel of Owatonna assumed the reins of Community Pathways last week following the retirements of Nancy Ness and Maureen Schlobohm.
Ness and Schlobohm served as co-executive directors since the Steele County Clothesline and the Steele County Food Shelf merged into one organization in January 2020.
In addition to running the organization's day-to-day operations, the two women spearheaded a $2.6 million capital campaign to construct a new building next to the existing structure at 155 Oakdale St.
The new building is projected to cost $1.6 million. The remaining funds raised will go toward operational costs.
In mid-December, the campaign was just $300,000 shy of its goal.
In late November, the Community Pathways board hired Korbel to succeed to Ness and Schlobohm.
In a statement released last week, Board President Mark Rahrik said," The dedication that both Nancy and Maureen have shown to our community, not only throughout their
years as a part of the Clothesline and Food Shelf but also as co-directors building Community Pathways in the middle of a pandemic, has been nothing short of spectacular. While we will miss them terribly, we wish them both all the best."  
Korbel, who served on the board before being hired as executive director, worked side-by-side with Ness and Schlobohm the last two weeks in December.
"They've left things in such great shape," said Korbel. "I'm set up for success."
The key to the success of Ness and Schlobohm?
Their shared vision, they both said.
"Our skill sets are so different but blended so well," said Schlobohm. And, said Ness, "we were lucky to be here when we were."
Perhaps most important to both, they made a difference: "We restored dignity to the services we provide," said Schlobohm.
"We have dressed people for job interviews," said Schlobohm. "He got the job and never came back."
"You may not even know what you are doing for someone," said Ness
She shared the story of a former meth user now using the services of Community Pathways. That person told Ness: "You saved my life."
"We are so much more than food and clothing."
Korbel agreed and said he's looking forward to continuing his predecessors' efforts to break the cycle of poverty.