Who We Are
Changing Destinies Ministry (CDM) has been "changing destinies one life at a time" since 2012. CDM's mission is to see sex-trafficked women encounter God's love, experience transformation, and reintegrate into society. By providing a place of refuge through a Christ-centered residential program, these women can begin regaining their lives physically, emotionally, and socially.
Our Story
From the Beginning
CDM was born in Kym Nixon’s heart in August 2012. It started when she found a bulletin her husband had brought home from a church he had visited, noting that an anti-trafficking ministry was scheduled to speak there. Right after seeing that bulletin, she started noticing information about human trafficking everywhere—social media posts, commercials, news stories, TV shows, even billboards. She realized something important was happening and that God was trying to get her attention.
She met a woman who invited her to attend a human trafficking symposium on November 1, 2012. While sitting in the church parking lot before the event, Kym asked the Lord where He wanted her to focus. His still, small voice whispered one word: “Shelter.”
But the pivotal moment came in November 2013 when Kym discovered that her oldest daughter had been trafficked 11½ years earlier through a modeling scam. Her daughter had never shared this with anyone but was able to identify it herself from the information Kym was sharing during her training. Although Kym hadn’t known the truth back then, she could now look back and see the devastating impact it had on her daughter’s life. That was when Kym realized this was more than a calling—it was a divine mission. God revealed what had happened so her daughter’s healing could begin.
In April 2022, the original call to establish a shelter finally came true. God provided a way for CDM to buy property in western Moore County. The home, called Rachel’s Refuge, is a place where women who have been trafficked for sex, ages 18–35, can encounter God’s love, rediscover their identity as beloved daughters, and experience the healing and transformation needed to walk in new life.
Officers
Chairman
Carl Durham
Carl is retired after 38-years in the nuclear industry with Babcock and Wilcox/ BWXT Technologies. He was in various levels of management for 32-years at several locations. At the time of his retirement, he was President of American Centrifuge Manufacturing, a joint venture with two companies that were in charge of a $1.4 billion project at multiple sites. He helped develop long-range business plans to ensure the success of the company. He has previously served as Chairman of the Board of another non-profit organization. Carl has a degree in Engineering Operations from N.C. State University.
Vice Chairman
Stephen Later
Stephen has practiced law in Pinehurst since 1998, after five years on Capitol Hill with United States Senator Lauch Faircloth, and he assists clients in the southeastern states in business transactions and employment law. He serves as a director of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership and the North Carolina Museum of History Foundation and previously served as Chairman of The Walthour-Moss Foundation, Treasurer of Saint Mary’s School, Chairman of North Carolina Museum of History Associates, and Senior Warden of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Stephen received a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, and a law degree from the University of North Carolina.
Secretary
Sandy Terryberry
Sandy attended the University of Nebraska. She has been an assistant to legal counsel, paralegal, real estate agent, an IRS agent in all three divisions and a manager in the Audit Division, and a Tax Pro for H&R Block. Sandy and Bill, her husband, ran a marketing company for many years. She has five grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and has also served as a volunteer for Changing Destinies MInistry and Grace Church.
Treasurer
Terry Frye
Terry was born and raised in Southern Pines, NC. After completing a degree in Accounting in the NC Community College system, she settled in Chapel Hill, NC where she and her husband (of now 41 years) lived, worked and raised their daughter for 25 years. Terry furthered her education attending Guilford University in Greensboro, NC. Relocating back to the Sandhills area to help care for her parents and be closer to family, which now includes three grandchildren, she retired in 2018 after working 35 years in Accounting and Finance, having most recently been employed in the healthcare industry. She previously served as Financial Reporting Secretary for the church she and her husband attended in the Chapel Hill area, served as Secretary/Treasurer for over 17 years on the board of directors of a property owner's association in coastal NC, and volunteered at a rescue/restorative mission in the Chapel Hill area. Today, Terry serves on the Hospitality Team at Grace Church Seven Lakes, spends time growing her faith by connecting through small groups at Grace, loves little better than spending time with her family and making the most of retirement through traveling God's beautiful world.
President & Co-Founder
Kym Nixon
Kym co-founded Changing Destinies Ministry in January 2013. As the mother of a trafficking survivor, she brings awareness through her unique perspective and insights gleaned through personal experience. She led an outreach and security team to minister to women in the adult entertainment industry and conducted online monitoring, outreach, and awareness initiatives during 2014 Pinehurst U.S Open. Her work history consists of 24-years in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and an instructor for 11-years at two Naval training facilities. She was a Navy Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) Advocate for twenty years providing immediate crisis intervention, confidential support, and advocacy to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. After retirement, she was then employed by the Army as a contract instructor. She has an M.Ed in e-learning Technology and Design from Jones International University.
Board of Members
Jo Kenzel
Jo is a lifelong servant leader with a passion for community outreach that began in childhood. She has volunteered with organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Rotary Clubs, food banks, and local nonprofits such as Friend to Friend and Serenity House. Jo holds a BA from Central Michigan University, completed graduate studies in Human Resources at Lesley University, and earned a Human Resources certificate from American University. She taught Hospitality Management and Human Resources at Boston University and held senior leadership roles with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, and Benchmark Hospitality. Since retiring in 2023, Jo has remained deeply engaged in service through Grace Church and the Rooftop Sisters. She has been involved with Changing Destinies Ministry and Rachel’s Refuge since 2024 and currently serves as Human Resources. In her free time, Jo enjoys her two dogs, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and playing Mah Jongg, bocce, and pickleball.
Kay Labare
Kay is a devoted follower of Christ, a loving wife, and the mother of four children and grandmother of seven. Professionally, she held senior and executive positions in global technology, where she led projects valued at up to 1 billion and teams of up to 4,000 across multiple countries. She mainly focused on financial crime, which includes human trafficking as well as fraud and anti-money laundering. She is a founder and the first Executive Director of Damascus Road Community Christ, a thriving church of approximately 1,500 people. Since moving to Pinehurst, she served as President of the Pinehurst Rotary and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, middle school debates, and Linden Lodge. Kay loves to golf (poorly), travel, and walk her dog.
Jack Lundgren
John “Jack” Lundgren brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement, fire service, and military leadership, alongside a deep-rooted faith and heart for service. His professional background includes working directly with cases of abuse and trauma, offering him valuable insight into the challenges survivors face. Jack’s motivation to join Changing Destinies Ministry comes from a desire to raise awareness, serve practically, and support women on their healing journey. With his calm leadership, strong character, and readiness to serve, Jack is a thoughtful and capable addition to the CDM Board of Directors, especially in property, security, or advocacy roles.
Lane West
With a commitment to compassion and restoration, Lane West has spent years serving in pastoral care ministry roles focused on grief support, baptism counseling, and traveling message ministries. His work in these spaces has allowed him to walk closely with a diverse group of individuals through some of life’s most vulnerable and transformative moments—offering hope, healing, and a listening ear. His ministry experience has equipped him with a sensitivity to trauma and a dedication to serving marginalized and at-risk communities. Running parallel with his involvement in ministry and running a couple of small businesses with his wife, Lori, Lane has built a distinguished career in corporate America. He has held senior sales and marketing positions at top-tier organizations, including Stanley Black & Decker and currently with Traxx Corporation. With a strong track record in strategic growth and relationship management, he brings a results-oriented mindset to every endeavor. His dual background in ministry and business uniquely positions him to contribute to the fight against human and sex trafficking.
Ex-Officio
Executive Director
Renee Cassidy
Renee Cassidy has served in several key positions at Changing Destinies Ministry, such as Volunteer Coordinator and Team Lead for Awareness, Prevention and Training. She brings a remarkable blend of education, professional expertise, and personal passion to the role. With a Bachelor of Science in Business, a Master’s in Education Administration, and certification as a Life Coach, Renee offers a wealth of knowledge and experience that greatly enriches our team. As a passionate advocate for holistic living, Renee emphasizes the importance of nurturing the balance between mind, body, and spirit. She finds joy and grounding in spending time with her husband, son, and beloved dog, as well as exploring the outdoors through hiking and walking. These activities not only keep her energized but also fuel her dedication to personal growth and community engagement. Renee’s calling to combat human trafficking took root as she deepened her understanding of its devastating impact and the alarming rise in its prevalence. This awakening inspired her to channel her diverse skills and experiences into meaningful service. Driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of collaboration and shared talents, Renee is committed to supporting our mission and empowering volunteers to create lasting change in the fight against human trafficking. We are proud to have Renee leading various volunteer efforts and inspiring others to join us in making a difference!