Joe Quick -Executive Director
Joe was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Grandview Christian School. While attending Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, New York, Joe was in the Twin Towers three weeks before September 11, 2001, and quit college and joined Active Duty Air Force. Joe served ten years and deployed four times overseas. He met his wife on E-Harmony in 2007 and married at Grace Church in April 2008. Together, they have two children, Kaden age 5 and Karter age 3. Joe completed his bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University in 2012 and master’s degree in education of school counseling from Buena Vista University in 2016. Joe and Amy attend Soteria-Des Moines, A Baptist Church (formerly Willow Creek Baptist Church) since 2008. Joe is passionate about his Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Cubs. Joe’s life verse is Hebrews 4:15-16.
Joe is passionate about people seeing the value in themselves and prays for God’s direction as he serves Him in this new role. If you have any passions that could benefit the Friendship Center, please contact Joe at 515.244.1701 or email him at ministry@friendshipbaptistcenter.org.
Chris Ruter – Disciples Teen Group Leader
Starting January 12th, Chris will become the new Disciples Youth Group Director at the center. Chris currently attends Soteria-Des Moines, A Baptist Church, along with his wife, Becca. Chris is addicted to spending time with his husky and is presently a full-time student and utilities construction worker. Chris’s life verse is Matthew 11:28-30.
Contact Chris at disciples@friendshipbaptistcenter.org. with any questions or to volunteer to help bring meals for Disciples Youth Group on Friday’s.
Ashton Haines – Kids Club Director & Community Outreach Coordinator
Hi! My name is Ashton Haines, and I am so excited to join the team at the Friendship Center! I grew up in Carlisle, Iowa and graduated college with a medical degree. I currently work as an Auditor for an Insurance Company in downtown Des Moines, I also lead and volunteer for many local organizations and charities. I have experience in leading VBS, teaching Sunday school, teaching life skills classes, going on mission’s trips to many countries and even attending the Friendship Center as a child. I am a single mom of three amazing kids: Blayne, Bylaec, and Braextyn. Being a single mom of special needs children and facing a lot of adversity and struggles growing up, I find it very important to find my purpose in every situation and trust in God no matter what I am facing.
Starting July 1st, Ashton will become our new kid’s club director for the 2018-2019 school year. Ashton will be in charge of programming for our kid’s club, teaching and hiring new volunteers. Please contact Ashton at kidsclub@friendshipbaptistcenter.org. with any questions or to volunteer to help bring meals for Kids Club on Tuesday around 4 pm.
Tenelle Thomas-Grants & Research Manager
Starting September 1st, Tenelle will join the Friendship Center as our Grant and Research Manager. Tenelle attended Capella and Augsburg Universities. She will be in charge of Grant applications for the center, assisting in fundraising efforts and volunteering for Kids Club as needed.
Derrick Bell – Maintenance Supervisor
Derrick started working for the center in May of 2018. Derrick is married to his wife Ebony and has two small children. Derrick has a servants heart, and his attention-to-detail mentality serves him well.
Becky Hinze – ESL Class Teacher
Becky Hinze and her husband Chad live with their eight children near Runnells. She has taught in the Southeast Polk school district for twenty years and currently serves as a literacy consultant for Heartland AEA. She attends Grace Church in Des Moines. She has a passion for adoption and ensuring every child she knows has the gift of reading!
Volunteers at the Center
- Kids Club
- John Jakes
- Emma Jakes
- Tenelle Wilder
- Ebony Bell
- Shirley Dill
- Karen McGettrick
- David Hagen
- Tracy Hagen
- Tracy Thies
- ESL
- Chris Ruter
- Ebony Bell
- Disciples Teen Group
- Need Volunteers
- Community Breakfast
- Sue McCrae
- Nan Cooley
- Amy Jakes
- Ashton Haines
- Ebony Bell
- Derrick Bell
- Mom’s Bible Study
- Kim Runge
- Joni Wilkinson
- Holly & Wes Rozenboom
- Ann & Andi
- Food Distribution
- Andrea Quick
- Donald Wilson
- Becca Ruter
- Sue McCrae
- Ashton Haines
- Specialty Classes
- Abby Charlton
- Jennifer Bruggeman
- Financial Peace University
- Jeff Jergens
- Summer Camp Interns
- Te’Ara Burgs
- Brandon Zimmer
- Nathan Adams
- Family Fun Night
- Jodie Quick
- Cory Ferrell
- Andrea Quick
- Donald Wilson
- Chris Ruter
- Becca Ruter
- Ebony Bell
- Ashton Haines
- Derrick Bell
Facebook @FriendshipCenterDSM