Support Team

My name is Alexa Ruster! I am currently a student at Cornerstone University studying Social Work. I enjoy reading, hiking, watching hockey, and spending time with my family and friends. I am also a middle and high school youth group leader at my church. I am very excited for this new chapter at HGH and I can’t wait to see all the ways God uses me in this position.

“I love working here for so many reasons. HGH is such a special place to work. I enjoy getting to do life alongside our residents. It’s awesome to see them grow and overcome challenges. And we get to celebrate life’s ups and downs together as a family.”

Abigail has her bachelor’s in Social Work from Hope College and has a heart and a passion for this population. She has been working in this population for 3 ½ years now.

Abigail comes to us with a wealth of experience working with adults with disabilities.  She brings passion, energy and leadership to Homes Giving Hope.

“I love working for HGH for the simple joy of seeing residents enjoy their independent lives and engaging with the community.”

Hi my name is Amber and I’m the new professional roommate. I am excited to start this new journey with Homes Giving Hope.  I recently graduated from Compass College of Cinematic Arts with a bachelors in fine art. I work at Costco stocking everything in the mornings. I have a little dog named Frankie who loves to play fetch and give lots of kisses. I love to spend time outdoors camping, going to the beach, and hiking through the woods (Frankie likes hiking too). When indoors I love reading, watching Disney movies, and will never pass on an opportunity to play a board game.

Hi I’m Ryder and I’m the Emotional Support Coordinator at the women’s house. I have been a part of the womens’ house since it began and boy do I love my ladies! We play chase, snuggle and sometimes go for walks. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors and the occasional shoe.

“I love working at HGH bc I get to watch people grow and change themselves.”

Alissa has been working with adults with disabilities for 15 years. She graduated from Sparta high school in 2004, and was going to school to be a teacher but later found her passion to serve individuals with disabilities.  She enjoys working at HGH and seeing the growth in individuals.

Alissa teaches dance as well as danceversity, which gives her great joy. She enjoys biking, camping, watching her son wrestle and her daughter dance. Her family attends and are members of Sparta church of the Nazarene.

“I enjoy working at Homes Giving Hope because I love being able to support others and form friendships!”

My name is Bri and I am a second grade teacher in Grand Rapids. I first learned about the Homes Giving Hope mission when my youngest brother became a resident in the first men’s home. I have loved seeing how this organization has helped him grow and I wanted to be a part of this community. My hobbies include dancing, singing at my church, reading, watching movies (especially Disney), trying new food, and visiting new places. I also love animals! I enjoy playing with my cats Ollie and Lola and my dog, Clyde. I am very excited to be a part of the second women’s home!

“I enjoy being able to guide the group of women from HGH1 in their journey of independence. One of the best things is getting to see each individual’s growth that they have made and how far they have come.”

My name is Maddie Bennett and I am a sophomore at Aquinas College. I am studying Sociology with a Concentration in Social Work. I came to Homes Giving Hope originally as a part of a service learning experience through Aquinas and I became fascinated with the mission of HGH. I was given the opportunity to continue my time at HGH in the women’s home as a Supporting Resident Assistant. One of my favorite hobbies is playing soccer, which is fitting because I am a part of the Women’s Club Soccer team at Aquinas. I also enjoy running in my spare time.

“I enjoy working with Homes Giving Hope because I believe in their mission to create opportunities for a unique population to grow in independence and character. I am excited to get to know all the guys and grow in responsibility and maturity together.”

McCormack Wyn will be the R.A. for the guys house starting in August. He is a recent graduate from Grand Valley with a degree in music. McCormack plays the cello professionally, teaching for the Ada Conservatory of Music as well as performing for the Holland Symphony, Civic Theatre, and other musical groups. McCormack is also interested in classical education and enjoys reading classic books as well as books on psychology and religion. He also loves to explore and enjoy God’s creation by looking at birds and fishing.

Hello I’m Brady and I am the RA for HGH 4. I’m very excited to work alongside these guys and help to meet any needs that they might have! The reason I decided to pursue the RA role here at Homes Giving Hope is just seeing their Christ-likeness and their desire to pursue other people and ultimately glorifying God! I currently attend GRCC as a general studies major. I love to play any type of sport, with my most favorite sport being basketball. I love hanging out with friends and playing games. I’m very excited to see how the Lord uses me in the guys house!

I was introduced to Homes Giving Hope through my son Brady, who is currently an RA at the North House. I stopped in to meet the guys at House 2 back when Brady was still an SRA. It didn’t take long for me to see the amazing benefits these men experience through being a part of this ministry. Immediately I knew I had to be a part of it!

Jeff’s full time occupation is Production Director for Baker Publishing Group in Ada. He has been married to his amazing wife for 30 years. They have 4 kids and 2 dogs. Jeff enjoys watching sports, fishing, and most of all hanging out with the guys from House 2.

I became an SRA at HGH 4 this past November! I am newly married and most recently graduated Cornerstone from university with a bachelors of exercise science. I have enjoyed coaching cross country at Greenville high school in the fall. I am a born and raised runner and enjoy being out on the trails or sidewalks getting some miles in. I find myself spending most of my time enjoying the outdoors with my beautiful wife and puppy. I’m excited to see where God takes me on this journey with Homes Giving Hope!

Caleb is an avid tennis player, and ran track in high school, competing in the 4×400 relay, 400m, and 200m events. Caleb is from Lowell Michigan and went to Lowell High School and undergrad at Central Michigan University for Entrepreneurship. He also attends Ada Bible Church. Caleb has three siblings—two brothers and a sister. In his free time, he enjoys reading, camping, working out, playing tennis, board games, and hammocking. He also has an interest in science, sales, marketing, and learning.