Employee Spotlight
Meet Johanna Nimmons, a dedicated Case Manager with The Salvation Army and a future Master Social Worker (graduating Spring 2026, Go Coogs! For nearly five years, Johanna has been a steady source of compassion, strength, and advocacy for those navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.
Before joining The Salvation Army, Johanna worked in administrative roles but found her true calling when she began developing a food pantry service that allowed her to connect directly with families in need. That experience sparked a deeper passion for client facing disabilities and mental health challenges.
“I quickly realized my passion was helping people navigate complex social service structures. Every day looks different, meeting clients in their homes, working with property management, or finding vital resources, but what remains consistent is staying positive, listening deeply, and empowering those I work with.”
For Johanna, the most rewarding part of her job is witnessing transformation, when clients move out of crisis mode and begin rediscovering their sense of purpose and belonging. She recalls one client who, after years of homelessness, began attending community classes and learning to line dance.
“Imagine coming from years of homelessness and crisis to learning new things and making meaningful connections. It’s so powerful.”
As part of the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Case Management Program, Johanna works with clients experiencing chronic homelessness, disabilities, serious mental illnesses (SMIs), complex trauma, and substance use disorders (SUDs). Through care, collaboration, and consistency, she helps clients build realistic goals, from securing mental health services and employment to financial stability and education opportunities.
‘The Salvation Army doesn’t give up on people. We stay in the fight, even when it’s tough. Our clients are resilient, and our team matches that resilience every day.”
Johanna’s work has also deepened her understanding of community and empathy.
She used to think more about personal responsibility, but this work has shown her how much community responsibility matters. We’re called to look out for one another and help each other up, she says!
Her favorite scripture, Galatians 6:2, perfectly captures that belief:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
When she’s not serving clients, Johanna enjoys a good book, a cozy spot with her fluffy cat Figaro, and a fresh cup of coffee.
If she could describe her work in one word, Johanna says it would be “Transformative.”
Because through every act of kindness, every breakthrough moment, and every story of resilience, lives are being transformed, one person at a time.