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Program Alumni Spotlight: Danica Harris

16 Mar

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Danica Harris

March 16, 2026 | By |

We’re proud of our program graduates and praise God for their continued growth and mentoring of others to grow their faith and walk in Jesus! For this month, we’re highlighting Danica’s journey to overcoming her lifelong insecurities to becoming a pillar for the organization, a spiritual counselor to mentor others and beyond.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

I wanted to find an intimate setting to learn how to really read and study the bible with other believers. Charita was the only teacher when I started the nine-month program. I knew she was very intentional and passionate about learning, teaching and applying God’s Word to daily life. When I started the program, I wasn’t an early believer, but I had not fully learned or understood how to build my personal relationship with God.

What challenges did our program help you with?

As a child through my teenage years, I often felt “different.” I mostly grew up in church and always had a strong conviction of what’s right and wrong. Far from perfect, but I wasn’t into many things my peers were into. I’ve often felt like an outsider being viewed by others as being “Ms. Goody Two Shoes”, no fun, etc.

The S.A.L.T. Connection helped me accept my spiritual gifts, understanding that God created each of us for His purpose. Through studying, discussing and discovering I began to comfortably and fully grasp who I am in God’s eyes. 

How has our program helped you pour into others?

Since graduating from the inaugural 2016 class, I’ve volunteered for The SALT Connection in many ways. I currently serve as the treasurer of the board of directors, but have also served as the secretary and president of the board in the past.

I’m on planning committees and teams throughout the organization. I’ve also worked with other women’s groups. My husband and I became certified spiritual counselors and lead the marriage ministry in our previous church. Lastly, we informally but intentionally mentor family members and the community.                                  

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

The S.A.L.T. Connection transforms lives. It’s building God’s Kingdom, making disciples and creating lifelong memories and friendships. 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

SUBMIT HERE
Program Alumni Spotlight: Royetta Hutchins

11 Feb

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Royetta Hutchins

February 11, 2026 | By |

We’re proud of our program graduates and praise God for their continued growth and mentoring of others to grow their faith and walk in Jesus! For this month, we’re highlighting Royetta’s journey to becoming a spiritual mentor and teacher, helping others grow in Christ.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

I initially joined the nine-month program to participate in a small-group Bible study and deepen my understanding of God’s Word. 

What challenges did our program help you with?

One of the challenges The S.A.L.T. Connection program helped me with was my tendency to seek validation from others rather than from God. Before SALT, I often measured my worth by people’s opinions, approval, or expectations, which affected my confidence and decision-making.

Through the program, I learned to better understand my identity in Christ and to recognize that my value comes from who God says I am, not from external affirmation. The S.A.L.T. Connection helped me grow spiritually and a deepen my relationship with God. 

How has our program helped you pour into others?

The S.A.L.T. Connection has helped me gain confidence in sharing God’s Word and pouring into others. I’ve been able to continue serving as a teacher and spiritual mentor within the organization, as well as teach in other settings. The nonprofit’s program strengthened my faith and gave me the confidence to lead, encourage, and support others in their walk with Christ.                                     

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

I would encourage women to join The S.A.L.T. Connection program because it provides a positive, supportive environment with like-minded women who are growing in their faith and correctly dividing the Word of God. It’s a space where genuine relationships are built, many of which continue and grow even beyond the nine-month program.

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

SUBMIT HERE
Program Alumni Spotlight: Shellram Calhoun

17 Nov

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Shellram Calhoun

November 17, 2025 | By |

We’re proud of our program graduates and praise God for their continued growth and mentoring of others to grow their faith and walk in Jesus! For this month, we’re highlighting Shellram’s journey to becoming one of God’s faithful scribes.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

In 2019, I embarked on a journey to forge a deeper connection with God. For seven consistent years, I had faithfully attended church and participated in a Wednesday and Thursday 6 am prayer call. I soon began to recognize a gift developed through seven years of consistent 6 am prayer calls: the ability to convert powerful messages into mini devotionals and share them weekly with over 50 people.

When the calls ended, my passion for writing persisted. I joined The S.A.L.T. Connection’s mentoring program, intending to become a better writer and author a devotional.

However, God used the program to strip away my selfish ambition and deepen my faith. My class instructor affirmed my calling, telling me I was “one of God’s best scribes,” but emphasized the program was for transformation, not personal agenda.

Ultimately, this program transformed my life and led me to a stronger connection with God.

What challenges did our program help you with?

The nine months, from September 2019 to May 2020, felt like a continuous passage through sickness and death. It began with the loss of my aunt in September 2019. Then, as 2020 began, the world seemed to stop: March brought the terrifying COVID shutdown.

April was the cruelest month. I lost my Dad right before I had to take my midterm. The pain was immense, but the losses kept coming. Just thirty days later, in May, my uncle passed away.

Facing three major losses in such a short time, especially the devastating grief of losing my dad, was nearly impossible. Honestly, the only thing that allowed me to persevere through that overwhelming pain and sadness was the unwavering love and encouragement of my sister bond.

How has our program helped you pour into others?

The program helped me to become a better writer that listens to the small voice of my Heavenly Father who speaks to me through prayer and reading devotionals.  For the last five years I have used my scribe gift as a spiritual blogger for The S.A.L.T. Connection ministry.  

I’m still waiting on a published devotional, but look at God, he’s definitely strengthening my writing skills and allowing me to share His word on a platform larger than 50 people. He always makes a way when you deny yourself, stay humble and draw closer to Him.                                       

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

Ladies, if you’re seeking a safe place to lay your burdens down without judgment, learn to study and apply the word of God in your life. If an experience of true fellowship with mentors and instructors who pray, encourage and provide spiritual guidance to you then The S.A.L.T. Connection is waiting for you. 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

SUBMIT HERE
Program Alumni Spotlight: Naylan Joi Holman-Paris

21 Oct

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Naylan Joi Holman-Paris

October 21, 2025 | By |

We’re proud of our program graduates and praise God for their continued growth and mentoring of others to grow their faith and walk in Jesus! For this month, we’re highlighting Joi’s work in the community, specifically Jim Riley’s Blake’s House in which she mentors women who have aged out of the foster care system.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

When I decided to join The S.A.L.T. Connection program I had recently become divorced after 19 years of marriage and was in the process of rebuilding my life. Although I was involved with a church, I was yearning for a more intimate connection with God. He led me to Charita, and she introduced me to the SALT Connection class. I was very eager to join. 

What challenges did our program help you with?

There were about 12 women in my 2017 graduation class with whom I was able to laugh with, cry with, worship with and learn with. Over time, I was able to bond with my SALT sisters and share my life experiences with them. We shared triumphs, new beginnings and sometimes losses.

My soul was comforted knowing, at any time, I could not only reach out to my sisters, but also to Charita whenever I was in need. It was even more of a blessing knowing I would do the same for them. It had been years since I was able to allow that kind of trust in my life and God made it possible through the S.A.L.T. Connection program. 

How has our program helped you pour into others?

God has given me the opportunity to teach and mentor young women through Blake’s House, which is a program designed to help young women who have aged out of the foster care system. I’ve also been blessed to obtain a certification in Spiritual Direction from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. Now that I am an empty nester, I am looking forward to finishing my Master of Divinity very soon. 

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

I would always encourage women to form connections with other women of strong Christian faith. Having that constant reassurance that you are not alone will do wonders on your walk with God.  Joining the SALT program will allow you to be held accountable but will also nurture your soul. 

You WILL be changed, healed and delivered and in return, God will give you opportunities to do the same for other women that He will place in your path. You will never be the same! 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

SUBMIT HERE