Rita
Executive Director
A native of Perry County, Rita is a graduate of West Perry High School. While traveling the country as a military spouse and mother of three, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and her Masters Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University.
Rita has always been driven to serve her community. Whether it is serving as a member of the local Moms of Preschoolers (MOPs), bringing about positive community engagement, taking an active role in her children’s extracurricular activities, or leading local support groups, Rita has always been involved. In 2012, Rita began taking on numerous leadership roles with a nonprofit organization, Imperfect Wives, that is dedicated to counseling and support for the spouses of military members. There she was able to assist fellow military spouses in her community with the daily trials and tribulations that they and their families face. Along with this organization, she has previously worked alongside other non-profits such as Jubilee Market. She also served her local community as the owner of Perry County Cafe, located in New Bloomfield.
Rita resides in New Bloomfield with her husband, four children, one dog, and two cats. She loves hiking, kayaking, campfires, and spending time with her family. Currently, the family attends the Church of the Living Christ.
Brooke
Director of Client Services
Brooke came onto staff in July 2020 and served as the Programs Director. In 2024, Brooke became the Director of Client Services, where she provides support and guidance to those who enter the doors and oversees the HELP program. She has served on the administrative board of Join Hands Ministry since 2016 and with Join Hands Ministry since 2013 collaborating efforts for a Christmas program called Christmas Treasures to help Perry County residents.
Brooke is a 2003 High School Graduate of West Perry High School and 2005 Graduate from Central Penn College. She started working in the private sector of Law after graduating and has spent the last 10 years working for Cumberland County. She was an employee with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office for the last 5 years. Brooke is also her husband’s secretary with Haas Creative Carpentry. She is happily married with no children but has two fur babies at home. She currently attends Cornerstone Church in Duncannon.
Deb
Financial Assistance Coordinator
Deb volunteered at Join Hands since 2020. She became the Administrative Assistant in August 2023.
Deb has been married 37 years and moved to Perry County in 2019. She loves serving the Lord, her grandchildren, and all kinds of animals.
Deb has worn many hats, as a LPN, homeschool Mom, caregiver, and Wedding Venue coordinator.
Erin
Administrative Assistant
Erin was born and raised in Perry County and recently joined the staff at Join Hands in July of 2024 when she stepped into the role as Administrative Assistant.
Erin is a 2005 graduate of West Perry High School and a 2009 graduate of Lancaster Bible college where she majored in education and Bible. She spent 9 years working in North East Thailand sharing her love for Jesus with all she met as well as teaching English to local children. She has had various jobs over the years ranging from teaching preschool to being a caregiver. Erin recently married this past September. Her and her husband attend Church of the Living in Loysville
Board of Directors
- George Binger, Retired, President
- Janetta Green, Retired (CILCP), Vice President
- Jayme Casner, Pennian Bank, Treasurer
- Karen Lis, Retired, Secretary
- Billie Jo Deiter, Pennian Bank
- Laura Martz, UPMC
- Jeremy Wilt, Bishop for Church of the Latter Day Saints
- Betsy Albright, CPA
- Lisa Potami, Community Outreach for Centre Presbyterian Church
- Linda Daniel, Retired
- Jamie Steffan, Pennian Bank
- Sam Oradat, Pastor Duncannon Church of God
- Lynn Stewart-Krieger, Environmental Accessibility Specialist, Inglis