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We are celebrating
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Of "Neighbors Helping Neighbors"
Volunteer Highlights |
20th Anniversary Videos |
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Faith in Action Volunteers have been working long and hard over the past years. As a way to celebrate its 20th Anniversary, Faith in Action for Cass County will highlight volunteers several times a month throughout 2021. Volunteers will be recognized for their services and awarded $20 gas cards and other prizes.
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During the summer of 2020 our Intern, Paul Espeland, interviewed volunteers, staff and people served by Faith in Action to tell the story of what we do. Videos will be put on throughout 2021. Watch for new ones coming soon!
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Margie Richardson of Walker has been an active volunteer with Faith in Action since July of 2018, and a member of the Faith in Action Board of Directors since December of 2020. During that time, she has given over 202 hours and helped 50 people, providing transportation, homemaking and friendly visiting in the Leech Lake area. When asked what keeps her volunteering, Richardson shared “Faith in Action is one of my favorite volunteer opportunities because I have met many interesting people, all with life stories to share.” She added, “I feel great when I can lighten their load just a little bit, even for just a quick 15-minute drive to the local doctor!”
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Richardson said “Faith in Action offers so many ways to serve, from driving people to medical appointments, to picking up food from the grocery store or food shelf, to light housekeeping, to shore hours of respite or friendly visiting.” She also said, “Faith in Action services impact our communities in a way for us all to reach out with a helping hand, to be friendly neighbors and helping make another’s life a little less difficult when needed.” Richardson also shared that “I’ve discovered people I’ve known in the past from former businesses, church and other organizations, and it’s fun getting reacquainted!” As a thank you for her services, Margie Richardson received a gas card. 
Diane Herbst of Walker has been an active volunteer with Faith in Action since March of 2003. During that time, she has given over 481 hours and helped 52 people, providing transportation in the greater Leech Lake area. When asked what keeps her volunteering, Herbst shared “I like driving and the people I meet.” She added, “I enjoy going to different places and I love the longer drives, too!” She has provided many longer drives to St Cloud and Fargo, among other places.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Herbst said “Their stories are interesting, and I love getting to know everyone.” She also said, “Faith in Action serves the people who are really in need. They say this is the best thing to help them.” Herbst shared the following story: “I drive for a woman who is 92 and so feisty. I admire her attitude and her stamina. She says to live life to the fullest because you never know when it is your last day!” As a thank you for her services, Diane Herbst received a gas card. 
Bev Madland of Hackensack began volunteering with Faith in Action in December of 2005. In 17 years of service to her community, she has given over 899 hours and helped 65 people, delivering meals on wheels to rural Hackensack, connecting with people through telephone reassurance, and during the pandemic, sewing masks for volunteers and clients. She has also provided some transportation and chores. When asked what keeps her volunteering, Madland stated “There are so many interesting people, and you learn a lot when you sit down and talk to them.” She added, “I love being able to help people, give them a boost. I get a boost too!”
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Madland said “I look forward to getting out and I love the flexible time and ways to help.” “I enjoy listening to the stories, and people show a lot of appreciation.” She also said, “I think the community benefits from Faith in Action. People feel less isolated when they have someone to talk with. If I didn’t like it I wouldn’t be doing it!” As a thank you for her services, Bev Madland received a gas card. 
Mary Bruemmer of Backus began volunteering with Faith in Action in March 2004, and remains active as she begins her 19th year of service to her community. She has given over 2,069 hours and touched 176 people on her journey, providing transportation, chores, and homemaking. Bruemmer also volunteers with the local food shelf and other organizations. When asked what keeps her volunteering, Bruemmer stated “Why would I say no? I am not in it for me but for others. You should find Jesus in everyone your meet.” She added, “Sometimes it is hard. You don’t know what others are going through and why they are grumpy”
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Bruemmer said “Knowing that I am not wasting time doing frivolous things, that I am helping my community.” “I am amazed how many people, not just those we help, but others in my area, talk about Faith in Action. They are amazed about what Faith in Action does.” She also said, “I always tell people who are retiring that they need to find a purpose and Faith in Action is a great place to volunteer.” As a thank you for her services, Mary Bruemmer received a gas card donated by Holiday Station of Walker. 
Heidi Hoppe of Hackensack became a volunteer with Faith in Action in March 2018. Since that time she has helped 73 people and given over 1088 hours of assistance, providing transportation, chores, and homemaking. Hoppe also volunteers with the Isaak Walton League of America, Deep Portage Learning Center, Union Church in Hackensack, Heartland Quilters and the North Country Trail Association. “Volunteering is meaningful,” Hoppe stated. “It is meeting new people, making new friends and being able to help someone. When you are helping the community, you feel less isolated.” “A lot of people are in their homes longer because of the work that Fait in Action does – like driving to appointments, building ramps and housekeeping help,” she added.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Hoppe said “It’s getting involved – Faith in Action helps the whole county.” Sometimes being connected counts. Hoppe told a story about a time they took their car to get fixed in St. Cloud. “As we drove into St. Cloud we got a call from Faith in Action that a ride was needed from the St. Cloud hospital to our area and we were able to help. It was serendipity that we were where we were needed at the right time” As a thank you for her volunteer services, Heidi Hoppe received a gas card donated by Holiday Station of Walker 
John Parr of Walker became a volunteer with Faith in Action in September of 2017. Since that time Parr has helped 96 people and given over 556 hours of assistance, providing transportation, food delivery, chores, ramp building and friendly visits. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” John Parr stated. “When I retired I wanted to give back to the community – giving back all the good things that I have received.” Parr also volunteers with the Walker Area Food Shelf, St. Vincent DePaul and the DAC in Walker. “There are some wonderful volunteer organizations in this area,” he added.
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Parr said “It’s seeing the faces of the people I am helping, showing the face of God. I am serving like Jesus wants us to and when I look at the people, they are like Jesus too.” Parr added, “By just serving those who are most vulnerable in our community, Faith in Action helps people who really need help. They see that people are caring for them and Faith in Action offers them hope so they don’t feel alone anymore.” As a thank you for his volunteer services, John Parr received a gas card donated by Holiday Station of Walker. 
Caryl Allan of Pine River became a volunteer with Faith in Action in January of 2018. Since that time Caryl has helped over 80 people and given over 2,173 hours of assistance, providing transportation, homemaking, chores and friendly visits. In 2019, she joined the Faith in Action Board of Directors and became the Volunteer Team Leader for the Pine River area. “I love the people” Caryl Allan stated. “I can get out and come home knowing that I connected with someone. God put me here to help.”
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Caryl Allan said “It seems like we are always laughing about something – we have fun, and people are so appreciative.” Caryl added, “I hear from many people that they don’t know what they would do without Faith in Action volunteers.” As a thank you for her volunteer services, Caryl received a gas card. 
Ron and Renay Berry of Walker became volunteers with Faith in Action in March of 2021. In the past 10 months, the Berrys have helped 16 people and provided over 76 hours of transportation service, driving people where they need to go. “I am retired and feel it is a good thing to do,” Ron Berry stated. “As a disabled person I can’t do a whole lot of things, but I can drive.”
When asked about their favorite part of volunteering, Ron Berry said “I love meeting new people.” Renay Berry added, “I like to listen to people’s stories. It is wonderful to visit with them.” “Faith in Action provides people who can’t drive with a way to do what they have to do.” As a thank you for their volunteer services, Ron and Renay Berry received a gas card. 
Don Kruta of Jenkins became a volunteer with Faith in Action in August of 2020. “Faith in Action is a great way to meet new people,” Kruta stated. “It helps many people get to places they could not get to otherwise.” Since he joined Faith in Action, Kruta has helped 22 people and provided over 144 hours of transportation service, driving people where they need to go.
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Kruta said “I love to meet and talk with new people. I get to know them, and I know I can make a difference. You think you’re helping them, but I get more out of it as well.” As a thank you for his volunteer services, Don Kruta received a gas card. 
Pat and Sue Bettenberg of Remer became volunteers with Faith in Action in April of 2015. “We moved up north and wanted to volunteer,” stated Pat. “We looked around and found our niche and signed up” Sue added, “My mother volunteered all her life and it was instilled in me to help others.” Pat and Sue enjoy volunteering together and since they joined Faith in Action they have helped 68 people and provided over 1,425 hours of service in their community, mostly driving and some chores, homemaking and friendly visiting.
When asked about their favorite part of volunteering, Sue stated “We meet a lot of nice people and hear about their families.” “We make a good team,” Pat added, “Sue likes to talk and I like to drive.” “A lot of people don’t have a way to get to their appointments,” Sue said. “Some people may be embarrassed and we encourage people to call Faith in Action.” As a thank you for their volunteer services, Pat and Sue Bettenberg received a gas card. 
Cindy DeGonda of Hackensack has been a volunteer with Faith in Action for less than one year - since December of 2020. “I needed something to do”, stated DeGonda. “I wanted to help the community and it is very important to be involved.” In this past year, she has provided over 56 hours in helping 5 people, mostly driving and visiting with people.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, DeGonda stated “I like the people and developing a relationship with someone.” “A lot of people need Faith in Action to do things. The volunteers have a very positive impact.” DeGonda related a story about a ride request when she got lost and was late to pick up a gentleman. “He asked me to visit with him anyways and we sat and talked for about an hour. So even though we missed his appointment, I made his day better.” As a thank you for her volunteer services, DeGonda received a $20 gas card. 
Dick Tabaka of Longville has been a volunteer with Faith in Action for just one year - since October of 2020. “After my wife died, I had time and I felt the need to help”, stated Tabaka. In this past year, he has provided over 87 hours in helping 20 people, mostly driving and helping with some chores in the Longville area.
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Tabaka said “I like the driving and getting to know everyone. It feels good to be able to help.” “I think Faith in Action has a great impact on our community,” Tabaka said, “When I visit around town, everyone brings up Faith in Action and how we are able to help” As a thank you for his volunteer services, Tabaka received a $20 gas card. 
Randy Krecklau of Pine River has been a volunteer with Faith in Action since March of 2019. “I thought that I had plenty of time and should put it to use,” stated Krecklau. “I like helping people and it makes me feel good that they can get around and not worry … some people lose the ability to drive and need rides.” Since that time Krecklau has provided over 795 hours in helping 46 people, mostly driving, helping with some chores, and building ramps, in the Pine River/Backus area.
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Krecklau said “I like the feeling that I am accomplishing something in the community and helping others. It can be hard to ask for help and Faith in Action makes it easier to ask because they line everything up.” “And, when I work on the ramps,” Krecklau said, “we call it the ‘over the hill’ gang, as we lumber along and get the job done.” As a thank you for his volunteer services, Krecklau received a $20 gas card. 
Tanis Beadle of Walker became a volunteer with Faith in Action during the height of the pandemic in November of 2020. “I had the time,” stated Beadle. “I have a capacity to care for people. I can give people time and I needed a purpose.” Since that time Beadle has provided over 112 hours, mostly driving and some in-home services, and helped 16 people in the Leech Lake area.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Beadle said “I like to drive. Being able to help someone get where they need to go, and meeting people is great … people have a lot of stories to offer.” And there are benefits to helping others. “I like … helping people to go to multiple appointments and knowing you helped them get healthy. I went to the zoo in Fargo, ND between appointments too. Stopping to eat and sightseeing are fringe benefits!” As a thank you for her volunteer services, Beadle received a $20 gas card. 
Steve Boggie of Hackensack became a volunteer with Faith in Action in October of 2019. Since that time Boggie has provided over 400 hours of meal deliver and rides, helping 51 people (he was surprised he has helped so many). Boggie began volunteering after he needed a ride himself following an ambulance trip to the hospital. “After learning about Faith in Action, I decided to help as a way to pay it forward,” stated Boggie.
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Boggie said “I enjoy meeting different people and it’s a good way to learn the area. Faith in Action is a good thing, especially up here with no buses or taxis. People are isolated and Faith in Action can help.” As a thank you, Boggie received a $20 gas card. 
Bonnie Hemming of Hackensack has been a volunteer with Faith in Action since July of 2008. In her 8 years of volunteering Hemming has provided 116 hours of visits, homemaking, chores and rides, helping 22 of her neighbors in need. “I love to help people,” stated Hemming. “I think [Faith in Action] does a beautiful job. So many people need rides and ramps.”
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Hemming said “it’s all about meeting and getting to know people!” “And I have met a lot of great volunteers through Faith in Action.” As a thank you, Hemming received a $20 gas card. 
John Warren of Walker became a volunteer with Faith in Action in March of 2019. Since that time, Warren has provided 54 rides and helped 36 of his neighbors in need. “I know that I am helping people,” stated Warren. “I know that [Faith in Action] has a big impact on our communities.”
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Warren said “it’s all about the great people you meet!” As a thank you, Warren received a $20 gas card. 
Jamie Wolske of Backus is a committed volunteer who first learned about Faith in Action in 2015, when she needed a ride. In 2018, Jamie signed on as a volunteer. “I have been raised to give back to my community. I am a client and once I was able to, I wanted to be a volunteer for Faith in Action.” Since February 2018, Jamie has spent 4,132 hours volunteering, primarily in the office as dispatcher and office support, and at fundraisers. Jamie says her favorite part of volunteering is “I love our volunteers and I enjoy working with the staff.”
When asked about the Faith in Action program, Jamie says “I saw first-hand, during the pandemic, how the volunteers kept our community connected and were essential to get groceries delivered and get people to doctor appointments.” “Faith in Action volunteers were instrumental in making my life so much better, especially bringing me from the University to my home so I could celebrate my nephew’s graduation and be with my dog Sophie.” You can see more about Jamie’s experience at the Faith in Action 20th Anniversary page online at www.faithinactioncass.com. As a thank you, Jamie received a $20 gas card. 
Jim Carey of Longville is a recent Faith in Action volunteer who joined in September 2020. “When I moved up north, I was looking for a service opportunity,” stated Carey. “Faith in Action reaches out to help members of the community and is very flexible for volunteers.” In the past 9 months he has worked with 14 people and volunteered over 36 hours, providing transportation and delivering meals-on-wheels to rural areas. Carey says his favorite part of volunteering is “talking with the people I help. They like to talk just like me.”
When asked about the Faith in Action program, Carey says “Faith in Action provides needed services for people who have few resources. I think there are a lot of people who could ask for more help, but they are too shy or reluctant to call.” It’s easy to sign up and there are no fees for services. “It isn’t a burden to drive for Faith in Action,” added Carey. “It is a fulfillment of need and an adventure. Faith in Action is helping me to help others.” As a thank you, Carey received a $20 gas card. Joan Smith of Pine River joined the Faith in Action volunteer team in 2014, along with her husband Dave Smith. “I enjoy getting to know people,” stated Joan Smith. “I want to be a servant and help people in a Christ-like manner.” Over the years she has worked with 41 people and volunteered over 375 hours, providing transportation, friendly visiting, homemaking and chore help to people with limited resources. “It’s fun visiting and getting to know your neighbors.”
When asked about the Faith in Action program, Joan Smith says “I don’t know what I would do without you (Faith in Action).” “Faith in Action fills a gap when families can’t be there to help.” One of her favorite parts of volunteering is “working with the older generation who knew a lot of my relatives and hearing stories of when they were younger.” As a thank you, Smith received a $20 gas card. 
Sara Coler of Longville became a Faith in Action volunteer I in May of 2019. “I’ve always volunteered in some way throughout my adult life,” stated Coler. “When I moved up here, I found the opportunity to drive people living in remote areas.” She has worked with 18 people and volunteered over 120 hours, primarily providing transportation to people with limited resources. Coler feels that Faith in Action is a vital and beneficial resource that allows people to live their lives in the place they want to be.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Coler says it’s “about meeting all the people, seeing new roads and hearing their stories.” She remembers a favorite drive when “a woman brought her 4-year old with a learning challenge who spent the entire ride talking about what we saw as we drove.” As a thank you, Coler received a $20 gas card. 
Roy Blackwood of Bemidji has volunteered with Faith in Action since September of 2015. He has helped over 40 people and volunteered over 1025 hours, primarily building ramps and doing basic home repairs. Blackwood also volunteers with the Bemidji area Habitat for Humanity, Brush with Kindness and Cass Lake Food Shelf programs, among others. “When I retired from teaching journalism at Bemidji State University, I thought I’d never find anything so rewarding,” stated Blackwood. “but I love building ramps and helping people. I’d rather do that than do anything else.”
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Blackwood says it’s “all about the people and the joy of helping others.” He added, “It’s a good feeling to know that some part of someone’s life is better because we could help.” “What Faith in Action does is very important to get people in and out of their houses; our neighbors aren’t only those living next door to us.” As a thank you, Blackwood received a $20 gas card. 
Don Hoppe of Hackensack has volunteered with Faith in Action since January of 2017. He has provided over 500 hours of services, helping over 50 people. Hoppe began as a volunteer driver and became a Board Member in 2018. “Driving is so much fun,” stated Hoppe. “It is good to see people again if you’ve driven them before.”
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Hoppe says he “enjoys talking with people and hears “Thank you” so often”, because he knows there aren’t many other means of transportation in rural communities. He has also learned some new routes to get places because some riders suggest “short cuts.” As a thank you, Hoppe received a $20 gas card from Southside Station in Hackensack. 
Cora Hohnstadt of Backus has volunteered with Faith in Action since February of 2016. She has provided over 375 hours of transportation services and says, “I like driving – it’s something I know I can do well!” Hohnstadt moved to Backus in 1996 to teach. She is now retired and likes to volunteer and help people.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Hohnstadt stated, “I like meeting the people and we can have good conversations.” “It’s nice when people tell me how much they appreciate the rides because I know the impact is huge.” Hohnstadt often takes a foster dog along and the riders enjoy petting them and feeding them treats. As a thank you, Hohnstadt received a $20 gas card from Southside Station in Hackensack. 
Mark Peterson of Hackensack is new to volunteering with Faith in Action, having signed on during the COVID pandemic in July of 2020. He has provided transportation services on weekends because he has a full-time job. Even with his busy schedule, he would like to help more.
When asked why he volunteers Peterson stated, “I thought that as long as I was working, I should help people out.” His favorite part of volunteering is the interaction with people and getting to know them. As a thank you, Peterson received a $20 gas card from Southside Station in Hackensack. |
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Les Olson of Backus has volunteered with Faith in Action for Cass County since 2012. He has provided over 420 hours of services providing transportation and delivering meals on wheels to remote areas of Cass County. Olson has logged over 23,600 miles helping his neighbors in need.
When asked why he has volunteered for so many years Olson stated, “Volunteering gets me out of the house, and I like to meet people.” As a thank you, Olson received a $20 gas card from Southside Station in Hackensack. |