The root of Ruslyn’s passion for helping those in need started with her experience at the AmeriCorps as a Service Member. There she met the basic needs of adults struggling to make an independent life for themselves. When she decided to branch out from there, she knew she wanted to work somewhere with a similar mission. This made Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky the perfect fit for her because they were a low barrier shelter and allowed her to help those who needed it the most in the community.
During December of 2017, the winter air seemed colder than usual, and people lined up at Northern Kentucky Emergency Shelter’s door every night in hopes of getting a bed for the night off the street. Even though the work proved hard and sometimes thankless the staff demonstrated kindness and patience. She felt a strong sense of community running through the place and it energized her to join in and help where it was needed.
Today she works in the office paying bills, depositing donations, thanking donors, helping with grants, and providing financial reports to the executive director and board of directors. She says she spends most of her day working on the computer, updating the accounting program and donor database. With such tedious work breaks come in handy, so never ideal she walks to the post office to pick up mail.
One duty she does not enjoy is answering the phone after 4:00 p.m. to tell potential guests that there are no beds available for them. This is hard for her because she wishes that their building contained enough space for everyone who needs a bed to sleep there that night. Talking face to face with the guests each day reminds her that the reality of homelessness is much different than the stereotypes.
In her free time, she helps to care for her elderly mother and spends time with her grandson. She also likes to cook, read, and crochet.
By: Emily Broyles
Scripps Howard Communication Intern