April 5, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Elly Heckel, the communication and marketing development director at the Union Gospel Mission.

Name: Elly Heckel

Age: 33

Hometown: Mitchell

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Career opportunities and to be closer to my husband’s side of the family.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Over the past year, through both working at LifeLight Communications and Union Gospel Mission Sioux Falls, I’ve enjoyed seeing firsthand how the Sioux Falls community continues to show love and support to each other and to those in need. I could share countless stories of residents buying clothing items, resources and meals for the homeless community and youth on the street or simply showing acts of kindness because they truly care. I am excited for a bright year full of spreading hope, kindness and love throughout the city and our region.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Since starting my position as the communication and marketing development director, I have worked directly with the UGM committed board of directors, staff, community partners and ministries to amplify stories of residents experiencing homelessness in our community and bring awareness to the growing population of how supporting ministries like UGM will improve the lives and futures of homeless residents and community members in the greater Sioux Falls downtown area. My favorite part is strengthening the organization to ensure the highest quality communication and a strong volunteer and mentorship program, while also showcasing the stories of transformation. For me, it is not just about building several volunteer programs, but rather about building God’s kingdom with a firm foundation of prayer and spending time in His presence for direction. It is an honor to join the leadership team of such a valuable part of transforming the downtown Sioux Falls landscape.

I am grateful for the opportunity to come back to South Dakota after being away for 12 years and serve alongside the amazing UGM team as we light a path toward a safe and stable future for men, women and children experiencing homelessness in the downtown Sioux Falls community. Being in ministry, we witness a lot of families that come from difficult situations, and we try to accommodate what their needs are, whether it’s a blanket or a bed to sleep on. And maybe with the younger kids living at our shelter, it’s just helping them find a positive role model to look up to.

How did you get connected to your industry?

Our family moved from Seattle, Washington, to Mitchell, South Dakota, when I was 12 years old, and boy was that a change of pace and culture. It was during this time when we church planted in the Midwest to start the Foursquare Church in Mitchell that I began to understand how to help those in need. Even at a young age, I was exposed to serving at food pantries, local missions and other nonprofits offering shelter, clothing and meal service, and I knew this was something I wanted to continue doing throughout my life.

Since that time, I have volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Adult & Teen Challenge, Children’s Miracle Network, Campus Crusade for Christ, Young Life and Habitat for Humanity Omaha. One of my roles was developing educational and internship programs that prepare young people and at-risk youth for a successful transition to adulthood. This passion of working with nonprofits and ministries encouraged me to compete in the Miss South Dakota America pageant where I attained a platform geared to shift this next generation’s perspective of the growing drug and alcohol addiction pandemic across the South Dakota region. I was able to travel to various schools, churches and businesses to promote abstinence and serve locally with government and state organizations for awareness campaigns.

Describe Union Gospel Mission in three words.

Restoration. Caring. Community.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

My mom used to call me Elly Jean The Beauty Queen — hints also piquing my interest for the pageant world. Also, I once drove up to Sioux Falls back in high school with my mom and wrote the jingle “Dollar Loan Center” during their company singing contest, winning $1,500.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I am passionate about singing and ministering to those in need through music.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Previously working for an architecture firm in downtown Omaha who partnered with Keep Omaha Beautiful for several years, I would love to see this type of nonprofit in our city. However, this undertaking would require an advocate to collaborate between the city, parks and recreation department, local recycle organizations, donors and community member involvement.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Serving the community by volunteering and partnering together with local churches, ministries and businesses to help those in need — all ages and demographics, men, women and children. Many of our youth and adults these days unfortunately are choosing the wrong role models in their lives and not just drugs and alcohol, although they are big factors, but also the influx in mental health and its toll on our bodies, minds and emotions. Overall, in the next five years, I hope to be a leader and advocate to empower, encourage and equip the local church, nonprofits and other businesses in our community to go beyond the city limits to mentor youth, young adults and elderly individuals who are struggling to find their identity and surround them with the support to guide them through life’s challenges.