Lufkin, Texas, March 25, 2026
At the 29th Annual Mission Possible: Empowering Communities Conference in Lufkin, Laura Culpepper and Constance Engelking were presented with the Spirit Award by the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Social Work. Faculty members presenting the award were Associate Professor Kristin Bailey-Wallace and DSW Director Emmerentie Oliphant.
The Spirit Award is presented in memory of Dr. Linda Morales, former Associate Dean and Director of the School of Social Work, who passed away in 2009. Dr. Morales was instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by individuals experiencing mental health problems and was deeply committed to social justice. Through her work, she helped ensure that the voices of clients and consumers were heard and valued. Her legacy lives on through this award, which honors individuals in the community who are not social workers but embody the spirit of social work practice and have made meaningful contributions to improving lives.
Presented at the Mission Possible Conference and housed within the School of Social Work, the award recognizes servant leaders whose work uplifts, empowers, and inspires others. The Spirit Award has been presented annually since 2010 to honor community members who embody the values of social work.
Culpepper and Engelking were selected for their outstanding leadership and their work as co-founders of The Village Nac, a long-term, faith-based residential community designed to support individuals on their journey to healing. Their mission is “to create a healing community, empowered by God’s unconditional love, where broken people become whole.”
In just six years, The Village Nac has housed, fed, mentored, and supported more than 80 individuals, offering a unique model of care with no time limit on length of stay and an environment free from shame and stigma.
Their partnership began with a brief meeting in 1997, long before they reconnected more than 20 years later to pursue a shared calling. Their journey reflects resilience, strength, and faith, and they have used their personal stories to inspire and encourage others.
In addition to their work through The Village Nac, Culpepper and Engelking have supported the next generation of social workers by partnering with the SFA School of Social Work—sharing their experiences, inspiring students, and contributing to doctoral-level education.
Their impact extends beyond those they directly serve, strengthening the broader community of care across East Texas.
“Laura and Constance may be building tiny houses, but they are truly helping people build big lives,” shared Dr. Emmerentie Oliphant, during the award presentation.
