Dennine Smith, thank you for all you’ve done for our community, and thank you for taking CAM, Inc. to the “Next Level” of service for the homeless and near homeless in our community.

In November 2019, Dennine Smith took over the leadership of CAM – Coordinated Assistance Ministries, Inc. -- as the new Executive Director. Dennine has taken CAM to the next level with her grant-writing and leadership.

First, with a Master of Public Health degree, Dennine was “Chosen by God” to take over and face the COVID plague which hit our city and nation in 2020. Dennine, with her background, was destined to set up a COVID center for the homeless in Kokomo.

Under Dennine’s leadership in these last five years, she has brought the former “ideas” to the next level. She has moved the “giving rides” in donated vans to the Howard County Connect Transportation Service with the partnership of United Way and Adams Auto Group.

Dennine has moved CAM into a new building, and in August 2024, liquidated the mortgage debt.

She has served on and in coordination with many of the other helping agencies that serve those in need in our community. Her coordination with the church community and community at large has helped express her faith that is central in Dennine’s life.

Throughout her career with CAM, she has received recognition for her leadership. In December 2023, she received the Jefferson Award for Multiplying Good – the “Nobel Prize for Public Service” which recognizes ordinary people who do extraordinary things. This award was very fitting and well deserved.

As Baptists, we follow God’s lead to tell us, in our lives, where God wants us to serve. Kokomo has been privileged to have such dynamic leaders in our community. 

We will miss both Dennine and her husband, Pastor William Smith, who have accepted a call to a church in Georgia.

Thank you, Dennine, for all you have done in ministry for our community. Thank you for being willing to leave a dream job to follow God’s lead to take on a non-profit position. God’s blessings, as you continue to follow God’s directives, and in Dennine’s words, “Believe…”  God’s blessings, and thank you.

Rev. Ruth Lawson, Founder of CAM, Inc.