Louise Jennings: Purposeful Life and Driving Motivation
By Christine Legg
Harrisonburg, VA. Dec 3, 2025 –At 90 years old, Louise Jennings walks into the room with self-assured steps and a big, warm smile that has been bringing joy to the hearts of community members in Rockingham County, especially those with an incarcerated family member. Louise is very comfortable with her role as a community grandmother whom families reach out to for help with a family member seeking to reenter society after serving time in the prison system within Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County, Virginia.
Louise has, for the past 44 years, actively worked with jail superintendents, churches, both government and private organizations, to help more than 30,000 men and women who have served time obtain jobs, mobile phones, and clothing for a smooth reintegration into their communities. The reentry program, visitation, Bible studies, and Christmas programs have provided the much-needed resources to those incarcerated, their families, and their children on the outside. For thousands, Kingsway Prison and Family Outreach, founded by Louise and her late husband Sheldon “Shel” Jennings, has become their lifeline and a sound, reliable support system over the years in both Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
For many, Jennings is a provider of solutions within the community. Many wonder how Louise remained so resolute and committed to helping inmates and their families after she was devastated by the passing of Sheldon Jennings in 1983. Louise Jennings explains how putting things into proper perspective led her to decide not to quit. “I did not know what to do or how to live by myself after Sheldon died, after we co-founded Kingsway Prison and Family Outreach. I had to keep going, knowing that it was exactly what Sheldon, who had gone to be with the Lord, would want me to do one day at a time.”
Paula Ford, mentored by Jennings to take over as the Executive Director at Kingsway Prison and Family Outreach, is a first-hand witness to Louise’s consistent resolve and daily commitment through life’s twists and turns. “Louise is a true model of living a purpose-filled life for me, and so many. That she is still actively volunteering at her age is beyond amazing. She is retired but not tired of helping inmates and their families in the Shenandoah Valley.” Paula concluded, still in awe of Louise’s drive and unflinching commitment after all these years.
For Louise, who recently received a humanitarian award in honor of her longstanding community service in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County, the spotlight can be overwhelming. She prefers her quiet life of adventure, living out her purpose.
Amidst the fanfare, Louise is in her comfort zone when she is working quietly and effectively, reaching out to inmates and their families. “Sometimes, people need a second chance. Seeing former inmates doing well and families reuniting has been a great joy for me over the years.” Louise makes people feel at ease in her calming presence through her warm and gentle smile, which draws people into her world, devoid of worries or strife.