Hesed House was honored to present its 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award to Joy and Rogers Freedlund at the recent Kentucky Derby Gala. Proud parents of three children and nine grandchildren, the
Freedlunds have dedicated themselves to providing hope and dignity for homeless men, women and children at Hesed House.
Joy and Rogers, and their Faith-Funded Network of partners, have provided the resources to house struggling and worthy families through the Hesed House LIGHT-House Program since 2007. Their vision and support created the foundation for the first LIGHT-House family to be stably housed for 8 years and whose children are thriving and obtaining college educations. The Freedlunds’ belief in the abilities of these individuals to surpass the many obstacles tying them to homelessness,
created the foundation for them to achieve meaningful, rewarding, independent lives.
There is seemingly no end to Joy and Rogers’ generosity as they have committed to, by the end of 2016, have provided the resources to transition a total of five families out of homelessness through the LIGHT-House Program – five families
that will have a place to call their own, to call home. In addition to their passion to return individuals to independent housing, Rogers and Joy are known to show up at Hesed House with holiday meals and support the many fundraising
events for Hesed House through American Guardian Warranty Services of which Rogers is owner and CEO.
For almost 20 years, in addition to Rogers teaching Sunday school, he has provided guidance and leadership on the Hesed House Board of Trustees as it navigates through challenging economic downturns and increasing demands for
services. During his tenure on the Board, Hesed House now serves over 400 individuals a day and has expanded to include a Comprehensive Resource Center adjacent to the shelter and Transitional Living Community.
The Hesed House Community is proud to honor Joy and Rogers Freedlund who embody and live the meaning of Hesed – love, mercy, grace and kindness.
