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 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 age 5 and Karter age 3. Joe completed his bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University in 2012 and a master’s degree in education in 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@friendshipcenterdsm.org.
Ashton Haines – Program Director
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@friendshipcenterdsm.org. with any questions or to volunteer to help bring meals for Kids Club on Tuesday around 4 pm.
Chris Ruter – Disciples Teen Group Leader
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. Chris started at the Friendship Center in 2018.
Contact Chris at disciples@friendshipcenterdsm.org. with any questions or to volunteer to help bring meals for Disciples Youth Group on Monday’s.
Hiring now- ESL Teacher
The Friendship Center is currently accepting applications for our ESL teacher for the 2019-2020 school year. Starting in September, ESL will begin at 6:30 pm with dinner for class participants and families, and afterward class will be from 7 to 8 pm. Paid Position!!!
If interested, please fill out an application and send to ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org.
Grace Zihlman – After-School Kids Club Leader
Hi! My name is Grace Zihlman. I grew up in Carlisle, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University in December 2018 with a degree in Instrumental Music Education. My husband Matt and I were married in May 2018, and we currently live in Ames, Iowa, and attend Crossroad Baptist Church. We are active in several church ministries together, including helping with the Truth and Training kids at AWANAS, Crossroad Kids on Sunday mornings, and the Crossroad Music Team. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, hiking, playing the piano, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones!
Contact Grace at kidsclub@friendshipcenterdsm.org
Volunteers at the Center
- Grants
- Ashton Haines
- Cherian Koshy
- Kids Club
- John Jakes
- Emma Jakes
- ESL
- Chris Ruter
- Joe Quick
- Disciples Teen Group
- Chris Ruter
- Joe Quick
- Community Breakfast
- Sue McCrae
- Nan Cooley
- Amy Jakes
- Ashton Haines
- Mom’s Bible Study
- Kim Runge
- Joni Wilkinson
- Holly & Wes Rozenboom
- Ann & Andi
- Food Distribution
- Andrea Wilson
- Donald Wilson
- Becca Ruter
- Sue McCrae
- Ashton Haines
- Nan Cooley
- Specialty Classes
- Abby Charlton
- Jeff Jergens
- Financial Peace University
- Jeff Jergens
- Summer Camp Interns
- Te’Ara Burgs
- Brandon Zimmer
- Nathan Adams
- Family Fun Night
- Ashton Haines
- Sue McCrae
- Jodie Quick
- Cory Ferrell
- Andrea Wilson
- Donald Wilson
- Chris Ruter
- Becca Ruter
Facebook @FriendshipCenterDSM