RAM House Newsletter EOY 2022

faithful servant retiring It is with sadness that we are having to say goodbye to our Financial Aid Case Manager, Joyce Story After years of faithful service to our clients at RAM, our Financial Aid Case Manager is retiring. Joyce has been an amazing worker who has tirelessly advocated for the clients who walk through our doors on a daily basis. She has a huge heart for the ones who are struggling financially, and it is evident in her interactions each day. Our Executive Director, Melissa Woodson, had these words to say about Joyce, “Anyone who knows the details of Joyce’s past realizes that it is an extraordinary life. As a leader, I look to her for her calm and her wisdom. Every single one of us will miss her. She is such a lovely person.” All of us at RAM House will certainly be sad to see her leave and miss the interactions we have with her each day. It is not an end though, as we look forward to her coming back and saying hello. KITCHEN VOLUNTEER spotlight A consistent and faithful anchor in the RAM kitchen We want to spotlight one of our kitchen volunteers, Aaron Levine. Aaron has beenwith us about 10 years. Initially, hewas volunteering in the kitchen on a few weekends and holidays throughout the year. After being furloughed from his job during the pandemic, he started to become more consistent in the kitchen due to a more flexible schedule. Then, after he was able to go back to work, he has been faithful in his duties in the RAM kitchen. We are so th nkful for you, Aaron. And, in his own words, “I love the personalities and camaraderie of the other volunteers, and the food is excellent!” thanks, joyce! “I have enjoyed working with you side by side every day, and I consider you not only a valuable asset to our company, but an enjoyable presence in the office as well. I will miss my morning text to ask me if I want an egg and cheese biscuit, and will also miss hearing all of the fun stories about your big family. You have done so many great things in life and succeeded with great patience. I know you will enjoy your time of relaxation.” Jessica Joseph Senior Financial Aid Program Manager Photo courtesy of Scott P. Yates, The Roanoke Times Roanoke Area Ministries is primarily donor funded. When you donate to the Good Neighbors Fund, you help keep people in their homes, and give those who don’t have a home, a place of their own. You are making a difference for our neighbors in the Roanoke Valley, and Blue Ridge Region. Thank you, for partnering wit us. For nearly 40 years, h mon y raised through The Roanoke Times’ Good Ne ghbor Fund, h s help d support our Emergency Financi l Assistance program. This program provides help with rent and utilities for those who are facing a sudden financial crisis. Without the Good Neighbors Fund, we would not be ble t do what we do. When you give to the Good Neighbors Fund, you are making a instant impact in the lives of individuals who are struggling just to make ends meet and keep themselves under a warm roof during the approaching cold winter months. She is very thorough in her efforts, and each person gets more than 100% of her time. She is meticulous in her work from beginning to end. We engaged in a conversation one day, regarding a message she had taken for me. She gave me the message and still repeated it back to me word for word. That type of work ethic is hardly found anymore. Joyce is a wonderful person. She loves people. She loves her family, home, and church. I met some of her Church ladies. While they were talking, I stood back and looked. She was a look into my future. When I am ‘there’, I hope to be just as strong, just as caring, and ready to engage in another adventure. Joyce, you Rock!” RAM House | (540) 345-8850 | www.raminc.org RAM House | 824 Campbell Ave SW Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 345-8850 | www.raminc.org

good neighbors fund | roanoke times Pictured: Aaron Levine at his station in the kitchen

Joyce holding up our #IAMRAMFAM sign during the Wheeler filming session.

When Joyce was asked about some memorable experiences at RAM, she had this to say, “I have had clients come in who were frustrated, worried, scared and had no idea what they were going to do. After speaking to them, letting them know what we could do for them, they left feeling much better about their situation and with hope. I’ve cried with some, felt helpless that RAM couldn’t do more for some, but then, many times I would send their application to other agencies and churches we work with, and I was able to get them all the assistance they needed.” She went on to tell us about how much she will miss working here, “I will miss working with the clients, my coworkers, and seeing the homeless come in to eat, get out of the cold or heat, and just knowing that RAM is doing a great job fulfilling our mission.”

When we asked our Shelter Manager, Linda Harris, about her thoughts on her fellow co-worker and friend, she had these words to say,” Through the years of knowing Ms. Story I have found her to be someone who has a passionate feeling toward the people she has helped.

First Class Presort U.S. Postage PAID

RAM House 824 Campbell Ave SW Roanoke, VA 24016

Wordsprint Permit 172