Calling the High Desert home along with my husband Gary for the past sixteen years has been amazing. I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl thirty seven years ago that came into the world with her dad’s heart, love of the Lord and calling to serve. I’ve worked in the senior housing industry for thirteen years; I have and seen how real the struggles are of our underserved seniors. It was time for me to step out on faith and try to make a difference. If not now, when?

​My name is Tarrah Butorovich Plascencia. In 2014 I graduated from M.S.M.U. with a Degree in Gerontology. I have always had a passion for the senior community. Through loosing my Dad this last year to diabetes complications God was preparing me to fulfill a need in our High Desert Community. Starting The Ruth and Naomi Project we are here to help in those needs and to be of service.

Charlotte Volsch is a dedicated real estate broker and a compassionate advocate for seniors in the High Desert community. With a deep commitment to providing stability and connection, she serves on the board of directors and as a representative for the Ruth and Naomi Project, a vital program that offers safe housing and community support for senior women experiencing near homelessness. Charlotte’s approach is rooted in empathy, aiming to be "the calm in your storm" for those facing challenges. Her expertise in navigating transitions, coupled with her genuine care for people, makes her a trusted guide for those seeking support and a sense of belonging. Recognized for her community contributions, she is passionate about ensuring that every senior has a place to call home and a community to lean on.

Dan Wieczorek first became interested in the Ruth and Naomi Project as a retired teacher, looking to help better the lives of people in the community. By using his skill set and a desire to personally make a difference with the less economically visible among us, his intention is to help the Ruth and Naomi Project realize their vision. Currently, he is appealing to local and corporate businesses to establish partnerships for the Ruth and Naomi Project through donations, and also in raising the Ruth and Naomi Project's visibility in the business community.

My name is Sarah Harrison and I'm thrilled to be a new volunteer with the Ruth and Naomi Project. I've been married for 22 years to my husband Jeremiah and together we raised our daughter in the High Desert when we moved here 17 years ago. It's been a wonderful place to live and we have loved being Apple Valley residents for the past 7 years. I enjoy volunteering in different capacities in our community. Last fall, I met Robin Smith when our small group from High Desert Church served at the Silverberry House. Robin has such a wonderful passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in our community and I'm blessed to be a part of this special organization. I am currently the volunteer liaison between High Desert Church and the Ruth and Naomi Project.

My name is Lisa Gonzalez and I am honored to call the High Desert my home as I was born locally at St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, California and I feel tremendously blessed to be able to work in my community where I grew up for the past 54 years. My husband Michael and I try to live each day with purpose and know that life is about serving others. I am grateful to know that going through my own challenges, especially when I did not have the knowledge of resources for my grandma after my dad unexpectedly passed away 30 years ago at the age of 48, God has enabled me to gain wisdom to now share with others what I did not know then. I have had the privilege of working in healthcare in different capacities for over 30 years, working at an acute care hospital, at a local medical group, at a physical rehabilitation hospital and now as a community liaison with VNAcare hospice for the past 17 years. These life experiences has shaped and molded me and by being a proud member on the board for the Ruth & Naomi Project since the inception for over 4 years now has afforded me further opportunity to help others, especially our seniors, to be able to assist in identifying the needs, such as affordable housing and in starting conversations about advance care planning and goals of care, in order to live a life with quality and dignity as we age in place.

My name is Alicia Dannelley. I first became involved with The Ruth and Naomi Project after volunteering at Wild Goose Vintage and Thrift. I have been involved with numerous non-profits throughout my 35 years as a resident of the High Desert. I was a Recreation Coordinator and Volunteer Supervisor for the Town of Apple Valley for 9 years and I am now in charge of marketing for "A Better Way" Victor Valley Domestic Violence. With degrees in Marketing and Visual Communications, I am happy to lend my skills to various projects for special events and fundraisers. I am passionate about helping those in need in my community, so it is a pleasure to serve on the board of directors for the Ruth and Naomi Project.

Since the start of my career in the healthcare field in 1998, I’ve gained extensive experience across various sectors of health services. A significant portion of my career has been dedicated to Home Health and Personal Care Services for families in need of care in the home setting, directly engaging with patients and families to provide necessary resources for a healthy quality of life at home or within supportive community settings. Embarking on the next phase of my career journey, I am eager to utilize my industry expertise to assist families in selecting optimal healthcare and residential solutions within their communities. I understand the challenges families face about making decisions about quality care. This commitment is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to give back to our seniors and humanity at large.