Joyce Rhody was recently nominated by the Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center and then selected to be one of KTTC & United Way of Olmsted County’s “10 Who Make a Difference.” This award recognizes 10 outstanding individuals or groups within southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa who have made an impact in their community through volunteering. The nominees are scored on five different criteria: Need (what community need was filled), Action (what specifically did the nominee do that filled that need), Initiative (did the nominee start a new program, use new methods to solve problems or initiate new activities), Impact (what were the results of the nominee’s actions) and Time (approximately how much of the nominee’s time was devoted to the activity, service or agency). She received this award on June 25 at Rochesterfest.

Rhody has assisted numerous victims and survivors throughout Freeborn County since becoming a volunteer advocate at the Crime Victims Crisis Center in 1997. She provides an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, an encouraging attitude and a vast knowledge of available resources. She educates victims on what their rights are, presents them with options and empowers them to take control of their lives once again. Joyce not only assists victims that contact the crisis line, but is out in the community being interviewed, sharing information at fairs, writing letters, presenting to groups, doing what she can to educate the community and fight for victims’ rights.

The Crime Victim’s Crisis Center is not the only community program to benefit from Joyce’s volunteering spirit. She also is active in her church, the American Legion Auxiliary, HIV/AIDS awareness, Cancer Support, Council of Catholic Women, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Education and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

The Crime Victims’ Crisis Center staff is honored to have Joyce as a volunteer and grateful for her knowledge, generosity and devotion. “We are truly blessed to have Joyce in our presence and could not do all the things we do with out her dedication,” staff wrote.