At Goshen Valley, our success is built on the dedication and commitment of our long-standing employees. These individuals have not only witnessed the organization’s growth but have also played pivotal roles in shaping its future. In this post, we delve into the personal journeys of some of our longest-serving staff members, exploring their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. These stories highlight the diverse roles within our organization and celebrate the collective effort that sustains our mission.
Anthony Hall: Serving with Purpose and Passion
Anthony Hall joined Goshen Valley with a deep sense of purpose, inspired by the people who shared his commitment to serving youth. As a Life Coach with Goshen New Beginnings, Anthony’s role has evolved over the years, allowing him to work with various programs and grow personally as he mentors youth daily. His most memorable moment came when Goshen’s founder, John Blend, organized a special outing to one of Anthony’s stage performances in Atlanta, bringing all the boys and house parents to support him. That day affirmed Goshen as more than just a workplace; it became his extended family.
For Anthony, the most rewarding aspect of his work is being able to live out his core beliefs, sharing the gospel and working alongside others with the same values. His relationships with the youth and colleagues have become enduring bonds—many former residents still return, a testament to the lasting impact of Goshen’s mission. Anthony finds his greatest contribution in being a servant to those society often overlooks, motivated by the chance to make a difference that echoes beyond the present. He cherishes the opportunity to plant seeds of hope and transformation, believing his work at Goshen has an eternal significance that inspires him each day.
Wesley Pals: A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Wesley Pals joined Goshen Valley in 2011 after learning about the organization through Juvenile Court Judges Tony Baker and John Sumner. His journey began as a house parent alongside his wife, Jessica, in the Covenant House (now SIMS House), where they worked with older boys. Early on, Wesley began designing what would become Goshen New Beginnings (GNB), helping young people transition into adulthood through independent living. His passion for mentoring youth and developing programs led him to spearhead GNB’s growth from an in-law suite setup to a fully functioning apartment-based Independent Living Program. Over the years, Wesley has taken on multiple roles at Goshen, including work with Placement Services and continuing his contributions in risk management and analytics.
For Wesley, the most rewarding aspect of his work has been witnessing the personal growth of the youth he has mentored. He recalls one transformative moment when a young man broke down in tears after struggling to control his emotions, marking the beginning of his healing journey. These relationships, where youth become like family, have deeply influenced Wesley’s path at Goshen. His commitment to nurturing younger leaders and encouraging them to keep faith at the center of their work drives him after more than a decade. Wesley finds fulfillment in seeing both the youth and the staff grow, contributing to Goshen’s mission in ways that continually push the organization to evolve and meet the needs of vulnerable youth.
Trudy Kuester: Steadfast in Service and Vision
Trudy Kuester’s journey with Goshen Valley began 16 years ago, sparked by an invitation from John Blend after learning of her love for horses. What started as helping with horses quickly transitioned into a long-term role in development and administration, where she embraced the flexibility it offered her family. At the time, Goshen was small, and Trudy wore many hats as the organization grew. Watching Goshen expand from just a few houses and 20 employees to the large, thriving organization it is today has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.
Though Trudy no longer interacts with youth on a daily basis, she cherishes the long-lasting relationships she built with many of the children and staff over the years. Some of her most meaningful memories come from the James Fund mission trips, where she witnessed transformative moments that led to adoptions and deep bonds. Her steadfast presence has been integral to Goshen’s success, and her high standards for the organization have created an environment of respect and hard work. Even after so many years, Trudy remains motivated, knowing there’s still important work ahead. She takes pride in sharing her well-rounded experience with newer employees and continues to ensure that Goshen thrives in its mission.
The Collective Journey
The stories of Anthony, Wesley, and Trudy are just a few examples of the dedication that permeates every level of Goshen Valley. Each employee’s journey is unique, yet they all share a common thread—a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and the well-being of the youth they serve. From administrative roles to direct care positions, every job is integral to the overall success of our programs.
As we celebrate the journeys of our long-standing employees, we recognize that their dedication goes beyond measure. Their stories remind us of the impact that a committed team can have on an organization’s mission and the lives of those it serves. At Goshen Valley, we are fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated individuals as part of our family.
If these stories inspire you and you wish to support our mission, consider joining our team, volunteering, or contributing in other ways. Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Thank you for being a part of the Goshen Valley community!