Andrew Nusbaum has been volunteering his handyman skills to Ruth's House for over year. Andrew fixes everything from top to bottom. Thank you, Andrew!

(Andrew is a little camera shy so he instructed we use a photo of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stating, "We are similar in height and acting ability so it would be close enough." Thanks for being a rock for Ruth's House.)

Andrew shares:
I am a stay at home father of two boys ages 2 and 5. Born and lived most of my life in Illinois. Moved to Faribault for my wife's job at Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. I like family walks in River Bend, growing gardens both vegetable and flower. Currently assisting CRWP and Freshwater Society on a volunteer basis in finding solutions to pollution in the lakes and rivers of the Cannon River watershed.

Joyce Elsen is a true unsung hero! She gives so much to the community, her church and her family. Joyce has been a volunteer at Ruth's House for approximately 10 years. She actually came to us and said she wanted to volunteer and boy has she!

Joyce has done everything from A to Z at Ruth's House, from organizing donations of clothes, household goods, toys and more, recruiting other volunteers to help with various tasks, administration tasks, at fundraising events to include chairing, The Hearts Gala for Ruth's House and all the details that go along with that, serving as the vice chair on Ruth's House board of directors, recruiting donations and so much more! The list is endless. She is always willing to serve in any capacity!

Ruth's House is truly grateful for all her service. She also has volunteered at her church, The Salvation Army, Cathedral Café and other organizations. Joyce enthusiastically serves her family, her neighbors and community with joy! She is a blessing to many and a great example of an Un-sung hero! Thanks Joyce for all you do!

Joyce shares:

I was an Administrative Assistant at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) for 20 yrs prior to moving to Faribault. After moving here I began working with my husband (Rick) with our Lakemaps business.

I was a single Mom for several yrs, so when I learned about Ruth's House of Hope through church, I immediately knew I had to help. I certainly understand some of the issues the women are going through. So the past ten years I've done most of the volunteer jobs at the house, and out and about. I have enjoyed getting to know many of the clients. The past 7 yrs I've really focused on total organization of all donations, and Georgia Redman & Chris Angell have joined me (in the basement) in that continuous effort!

I've enjoyed serving on the Ruth's House of Hope Board the past few years, presently serving as Vice Chair, and getting more involved with Ruth's House.

Helping raise money to keep the House in operation has kept me very busy, especially all the work on the annual Hearts Gala Fundraisers. I've met and worked with so many wonderful people in this community, especially through Ruth's House, that I've been extremely blessed and feel I have gained more than I've given. What a gift that I'm privileged to have the opportunity to be involved.

Rick & I most cherish being grandparents. We've done some very adventuresome travels, our African Safari was the most amazing. We look forward to many more adventures. I've always enjoyed baking, but enjoying the lake life and spending time with family and friends is a daily gift.

My hope for Ruth's House is that all women gain the self-confidence they need, feel loved and understood, to begin living the life they want and deserve. And that every child feels all the love that surrounds them.

Sandy Varley is our volunteer spotlight for April. As Donations Coordinator, you can find her at the shelter twice weekly as she accepts and logs our donations. She also answers any donation questions by phone and email throughout the week. In addition, Sandy is a strong community advocate for Ruth's House and its mission.

Sandy goes above and beyond, such as planning crafts for the kids living at our shelter. The residents and staff look forward to seeing her each week. Every organization needs a Sandy and we are very blessed to have her as a volunteer at Ruth's House.

Sandy shares:
I grew up in Faribault less than a mile from Ruth’s House and currently live in Bridgewater Township with my husband, Paul and two Springer Spaniels. I have two grown children. In my spare time, I enjoy biking, reading and hanging out with my dogs.

I am the Donations Coordinator for Ruth’s House and spend time Thursday and Saturdays at the house. My purpose is to collect donations but I also enjoy craft projects with the kids, rocking babies and chatting over coffee with the women. I try to help where I am needed most.

I encourage everyone to take a look at the weekly donations list found in the newspaper and on the Ruth’s House website. Consider buying an item or two and dropping by during my donation hours- Thursdays 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM and Saturdays- 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM. Your generosity is appreciated!

Serena David is in 9th grade at Bethlehem Academy. She lives in Morristown with her parents (Cory & Kasey David). She has 2 older sisters, a brother-in-law and 2 nieces and 1 nephew. She loves spending time with her nieces and nephew. In her spare time she plays piano, plays tennis and likes archery.

The volunteer experience with Ruth's House will be used for a Religion class assignment. The assignment requires students to volunteer for at least 10 hours somewhere that they see a need in the community.

Serena looked at several services in the community and found the mission of Ruth's house to be the most intriguing. Serena said that she could see that the staff was very committed to their work.

Serena has been providing support at our Outreach Office after school about once a week the past few months. She has helped with everything from sorting the year-end contribution statement mailing to sorting and preparing items for our gala. Her positive attitude and willingness to help with whatever we need has been a blessing to us all.