West Bend, WI – When Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County first opened its doors in 2005, it wasn’t much more than an idea — a handful of kind-hearted volunteers with a few cars and a big dream: to help their neighbors get where they needed to go.
“Back then, it was just this little idea of, ‘How can we help our neighbors?’” said Melanie Gonring, Executive Director of Interfaith Caregivers. “We started with a small group of volunteers using their own vehicles, and in the past two decades, it’s grown into a much larger organization.”
Today, that “little idea” has blossomed into a countywide network of compassion. Interfaith now operates a fleet of 14 vans, coordinates hundreds of volunteers, and manages Help Corner locations in both West Bend and Hartford, offering durable medical equipment to those in need.
The need, Gonring said, “just keeps growing.”
One of Interfaith’s original founders remembered those early days well.
“In the beginning, we weren’t even focused on transportation,” said Lorraine Hendrickson. “We were just trying to figure out what the county needed. But it quickly became clear that transportation was the gap no one else was filling.”
Operating out of a small building near the West Bend airport, and sharing space with the Red Cross, the group soon moved to its own office — and the calls for rides started pouring in.
For many seniors and adults with disabilities, Interfaith became a lifeline — their connection to doctor’s appointments, food pantries, and social visits.
“I would be lost without it,” said Ann, a longtime client from West Bend. “I’ve been with them five years now, every Friday. The drivers are just wonderful — so kind and concerned. One even gets my mail for me when he drops me off.”
Those small gestures — a hand at the door, a friendly chat — often mean as much as the ride itself.
Volunteer drivers have logged over 100,000 miles, helping neighbors across Washington, Ozaukee, and even Milwaukee counties. “We get people to their appointments that they could not otherwise make,” said Lee, a volunteer driver. “We are their wheels — their access to the world.”
Not every Interfaith visit involves a steering wheel. The Kindness Crew, a growing branch of the organization, brings meals — and conversation — to homebound seniors.
“We usually go in pairs and share a meal with someone who’s lonesome,” said Nancy, a frequent volunteer. “They love telling their stories, and we love listening. It’s wonderful — and I love the hugs I get. That’s the best part.”
For Gonring, marking 20 years is about more than numbers — it’s about people.
“It’s nothing but gratitude for all of the volunteers and supporters who’ve helped our organization thrive over the past 20 years,” she said. “Everyone who serves at Interfaith Caregivers is just the best kind of person — generous, kind, and community-minded.”
And with the need still growing, Gonring hopes more will join the mission.
“Be part of the Interfaith family,” she said. “You’ll love what you’re doing — and you’ll know you’re making a difference.”
