Cheryl Leftwich, a local pastor and longtime member of the Volunteers of America National Services family, has joined The Preserve as a full-time pastor.

As pastor of The Preserve, a senior living community in Fort Myers, Leftwich will conduct weekly services, provide end-of-life and grief counseling and provide comfort care, pastoral care and hospital visitations to residents.

Leftwich began her time with Volunteers of America National Services at Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral in 1998 as a social worker in the Care Center. She has also been the director of resident services and the director of development for the Gulf Coast Village Foundation.

In 2019, Leftwich completed the Volunteers of America Education and credentialing process to become an ordained minister through Volunteers of America. In 2020, Leftwich became the associate pastor at Gulf Coast Village and in October of 2020, became the pastor at The Preserve. She provided services to both communities on a part-time basis for several years.

Leftwich graduated from the College of New Jersey with a degree in psychology. While in New Jersey, she spent 20 years with the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services as a program coordinator. She was also the administrator of the clinical team, responsible for managing a post-acute psychiatric unit and ensuring the integrity of the clinical record.

“We’re thrilled that Pastor Cheryl and her services will be with The Preserve full-time,” said Ryan Keller, executive director at The Preserve. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will provide valuable services for our residents and staff.”

Leftwich was co-chair of the first Relay for Life in Cape Coral, President of the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Downtown and Vice President of the Cultural Park Theater Board, among many other achievements. In her free time, Leftwich enjoys stained glass art, shopping and attending local concerts.