For the past 7 years, WBKR listeners could hear Angel Welsh on The Morning Show, co-hosting with Chad Benefield — a duo that eventually gained the nickname “Changel.” Welsh revealed Monday that she will be leaving radio to devote her time completely to My Sister’s Keeper, a women’s and children’s shelter she will be opening soon.

“I always knew I wouldn’t retire in radio,” Welsh wrote to her audience via a post on WBKR. “One of the first things I told Chad was I was going to retire in the nonprofit world.  Little did I know it would not be even close to what I had planned.”

As she reflects on her time at the station, Welsh called the transition bittersweet. Her time as an on-air radio host highlights many of the fun times, but for her, it was much more than that.

“One of my favorite parts of my job no one else ever got to witness was the times in the early morning when the mics were off that Chad and I had conversations between the two of us that resonated deep into my soul.  We were able to have tough talks and always learn from one another,” Welsh said.

While saying good-bye to The Morning Show is not easy, stepping into the role of directing My Sister’s Keeper will be another way to embrace community support. Welsh said that once they open, the shelter will need meals prepared, beds sponsored, and a host of volunteers. They also have an Amazon wishlist.

In 2021, Welsh announced her plans to open the women’s shelter in Owensboro, requiring the support of the community to begin renovations on the building and to fund the startup costs.

“Two years ago God laid it on my heart to open a women’s and children’s homeless shelter here in Owensboro. I didn’t have a clue how I was going to make it happen but after wrestling with him for 6 months I said I would go,” Welsh said.

As the opening date approaches soon, Welsh is thankful to see help for those she says may be hanging on by a thread.

“I’m most excited about finally getting to open our doors and serve the women and children out there waiting. I see them in the community and ask them to check in with me every few days to make sure they’re okay — I can’t wait to open.”

With the support of several local churches, Welsh said meal teams, renovation crews and sponsors have continued to emerge. Sometimes the generosity stems from small congregations with limited budgets.

“One church didn’t know me but they heard a shelter was opening and asked what they could do. They told me they wanted to bring a team and raise the building—from our walls, to putting the floors in. It’s the most beautiful and wonderful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Welsh said.

As the chapter on WBKR closes, and Welsh prepares for a late spring opening for My Sister’s Keeper (located at 2820 W. 4th Street), the embrace of the community and support continues to shine through.

“I have hugged enough people in the last 7 years to last a lifetime,” she said. “I was welcomed to WBKR with open arms and people made me feel loved. It’s one of the things I’ll miss most.”

By Laura Murphy

FEBRUARY 28, 2023 | 12:08 AM