Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Rodenhizer.
Hi Deborah , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to North Carolina in the summer of 1997 with my three sons. I was “starting life over” after a divorce. I had family here for support and connections.
One of those connections was a Board Member with the then “Pregnancy Care Center of High Point” who told me about a job opening for Client Services.
I was hired in October 1997 and moved into the Executive Director role in 2005.
Prior to being hired in 1997, I was not at all familiar with this type of ministry, although I have always had a love and desire to work with women and children. Throughout my time here, I have come to love being a small part of what this ministry offers to women, children and families in our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No…not always. Our ministry has not been without some challenges.
First of all, we are 100 % donor funded and I remember us having to decide to pay the phone bill or get paid. But through those times my faith in God grew as I watched over and over again how He always provided.
We do not charge for any of our services, therefore 100% of our funding comes through local churches, fundraisers and individuals who support our work. Sometimes the greatest challenge is to remind the community that our work is still relevant and important, even after 40 years.
Other challenges to the ministry are in having a small staff (usually two and now three employees). All other positions are filled with volunteers. Finding the right volunteers who are available and willing to serve can be challenging.
But working with all of these people over the years has been such a blessing to me. We have become a family and serve each other as well as our clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most of my “education” has been experiential throughout my life. I have some college but no degree, so in comparison to others in my position, it would seem as though I am not as qualified and I have no doubt that there are many people who feel exactly that way.
However, my life experiences have been so important in my equipping. For instance, I was raised as a military dependent and then a military wife. I have travelled extensively and been exposed to many different cultures and ethnicities.
This is an invaluable gift as we serve families from many cultures here at the center with our JOY program. This program offers peer counseling/mentorship as well as material assistance.
We have World Relief in High Point which is a hub for immigrants coming into our country. They have great need of help and so we are available to them. At my last count we have served families from 10 different countries.
I have experience in home childcare as well as managing volunteers while serving with a Navy Relief childcare at the Naval Hospital in Bremerton WA.
Also, in my life I have experienced great loss through a miscarriage and the loss of two adult sons. I am able to counsel others through their own grief and loss using what I have learned through my own journey to healing.
I have a lot of experience in childcare so that carries over as well. We have a program called HOPE that offers help and healing through pregnancy loss. We also have the GRACE program for those who are dealing with the effects of a past abortion and JOURNEY that addresses the survivors of abuse.
I have taken trainings in risk management, working with Boards, legal issues etc.., throughout my tenure in order to keep us compliant and up to date on important issues pertaining to our work.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I am the oldest of five children and as previously shared, we moved a lot! I have seen every state in the US with the exception of Alaska!
With each move, our parents chose to turn the trips into geography and history lessons. I fondly remember traveling from San Diego to Virginia and seeing the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the cliff dwellings, Painted Desert and many other wonderful things.
My experiences as a military dependent, both through childhood and marriage brought me many fond memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.friendsofnewlife.org
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Newlifehighpoint
- Facebook: Friends of New Life (Groups)
- Twitter: https://x.com/NLFO_HP
- Youtube: New Life Family Outreach
