Our Ministry Team

 

 

Joe Quick -Executive Director

Joe was born in Des Moines and attended high school at 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 for 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 and Karter.

Joe completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University in 2012 and a Master’s Degree in Education from Buena Vista University in 2016. Joe and Amy attend Park Church. 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. If you have any passions that could benefit the Friendship Center, please contact Joe at 515.244.1701 or email him at ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org.

 

Chris Ruter –  Disciples Teen Group Leader

Chris currently attends Park 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. Chris started at the Friendship Center in 2017.

 

Dwana Bradley –  Ladies Growth Group Leader

Dwana Bradley is currently a  Des Moines Public School Board Member and attends True Baptist Bible Church in Des Moines. She started with the Friendship Center in November of 2021.

Joni Wilkinson –  After-School Kids Club Leader

Joni currently attends Crestwood Baptist Church and has been with the center as a former Board Member and currently leads our After-School Kids Club since August of 2020.

Betty Walker- ESL Teacher

Betty and her family are recent Pacific coast transplants to the Midwest. Besides being stunned by the winter cold or blinking at the over-enthusiastic Midwestern sun, the Walker family has enjoyed there time in Des Moines this last year and a half. The Walkers are members of Cottage Grove Church, located in the Drake Neighborhood, and are actively involved in the ministries there.
 
Betty is a licensed English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher with a background in church children’s ministry and DHS welfare services.  She has a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Oregon University and a Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix. Whether it is teaching young children or adults, Betty loves to facilitate learning and build a relationship with those around her.
 
Life Guiding Verses:
1 John 4:19-  We love because he first loved us.
Proverbs 31: 26- She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teachings of kindness are on her tongue.
 
 

Volunteers at the Center 

  •  Grants
    • Cherian Koshy
  • Kids Club
    • Josehetta Flagg
    • Lucy Garcia
    • Sarah
  • ESL
    •  
  • Disciples Teen Group
    •  
  • Ladies Growth Group 
    • Dwana Bradley
    • Jeri Lynn Carr
  • Food Distribution
    • Nan Cooley
  • Specialty Classes
    • Abby Charlton
  • Financial Peace University
    • Jeff Jergens
  • Family Fun Night
    • Jodie Quick

Facebook @FriendshipCenterDSM