QTC supports local organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence
QTC Product Management Analyst Ivan Barthel can agree that there is no greater reward in life than offering help to those in need. Last year, Barthel organized a donation drive during the holiday season, and he wasted no time to execute yet another successful one. Wanting to focus more on the local community surrounding QTC Headquarters in San Dimas, California, Barthel found a nonprofit organization in Pomona, California, called House of Ruth.
The organization’s mission is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted by it. Domestic violence is a behavior pattern that establishes power and control by one person over another person through fear and intimidation. Sadly, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
House of Ruth is open to all genders and their children but primarily assists women and their children. Their wide range of services consists of emergency housing, child care, learning programs, counseling for both victims and their children, career support, and much more. Understanding the significant impact domestic violence has on women, Barthel also thought the organization was a perfect fit to donate during Women’s History Month in March.
“The idea gained more focus when I thought about better ways to impact the community. I thought about Women’s History Month, and it feels to fit just right,” said Barthel.
Once Barthel chose to offer donations to the House of Ruth, the call-to-action for assistance quickly spread. From March 22 to April 5, the drive was officially in full gear. Barthel’s network consisted of friends, family, social media followers, and the QTC community. Both offices in San Dimas and the Pomona Clinic participated and were eager to help the nearby organization.
As the drive came to a close, volunteers donated 639 items and financial gifts via PayPal. The donated goods consisted of food items, clothing, diapers, medication, laundry baskets, writing journals, many hygiene products, and much more.
“To say the least, House of Ruth was thrilled and surprised at the amount of donations we provided. It’s going to help a lot of families!” said Barthel.
During the substantial drop-off at House of Ruth on April 9, Barthel’s friends and colleagues were right by his side to continue their help.
“I’ve been doing charitable contributions since I was very young. Working with common-minded people, about a selfless effort, was inspiring in itself. However, seeing people come and retrieve donations for their families and being so grateful gave me this indiscernible warm feeling. On some of those occasions, some families would come back to give good news about their life improvements. They wanted to give back, and those events always made that indescribable feeling even stronger!”
Barthel continued, “Delivering the donated goods on Friday gave me that same feeling. With House of Ruth, it was even more impactful. Knowing the great work they do for women and families, beyond just a roof over their head. I knew the little bit of time I spent on this effort would be magnified times 100 by the volunteers at House of Ruth working with these donations and to the families receiving them.”
“These acts of kindness definitely impact my own life. They pull the covers back a bit to show me/us of other parts of life that aren’t so grand. It’s always kept me grounded and humbled. These situations can happen to any of us at any time. As a father to my daughter Eliora, it’s even more important to me to continue with these efforts as an example for her, as well as an opportunity for her to see other sides of life and have compassion for her fellow neighbors,” said Barthel.
To access resources regarding domestic violence, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
