Volunteer Spotlight: Ross & Sue Jenny

Faithful Volunteers: Sue & Ross Jenny

We would like to take a moment and reflect our attention to two volunteers who have been part of Her Safe Haven since the very beginning and deserve recognition—Sue and Ross Jenny. Their persistent faithfulness, generosity, and dedication have helped shape our home in more ways than they know.

Our Community Engagement Associate, Sarah Westmoreland, recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sue and Ross to learn more about their story, their journey with Her Safe Haven, and what they would share with anyone considering getting involved.

Sue and Ross have been happily married for ten years. Sue worked as an oncology nurse in cancer research, and Ross owned his own landscaping company before retirement. They are active members of Grace Community Church in Cranberry Township and the Cranberry Elks Lodge. They first connected with Her Safe Haven, formerly Refuge for Women Pittsburgh, when they met Theresa Golden, Founder and former Executive Director of RFW Pittsburgh, in September of 2022.Theresa had shared with their bible study group the realities of Human Trafficking in the area and the mission to build a Safe House in the city of Pittsburgh where survivors could find refuge and healing. From that point forward, Sue and Ross have been fully committed to the ministry, serving as volunteers in many capacities.

Their first act of service was helping transform the house into a home by painting and decorating the interior. Ross then utilized his gift and experience in landscaping to bring new life to the courtyard. What began as a simple project brought a much deeper meaning, building a home where residents can feel safe and comfortable and create positive new memories.

Once the home opened to survivors in September 2023, Sue and Ross were eager to begin serving directly with the women. The first activity was cooking lunch with the women once a month and it’s a tradition that continues to this day. What started as a practical need of the women to learn basic life skills has grown into a meaningful fellowship activity that has strengthened bonds within the house and helped set the tone for the Christ-serving culture of the organization. The residents often assist Ross to prepare the meals according to a recipe of their choice, while Sue naturally takes on the role of engaging, listening, and building relationships with the residents. The couple shared how this division of roles has strengthened their teamwork and deepened their connection as they serve together. When lunch is served, everyone eats together and enjoys easy conversation.

Sue reflected on how important it is for the women to regularly witness a healthy, loving marriage as they rebuild their understanding of what safe and supportive relationships can look like. This further aligns with the organization’s goal to foster safety and holistic healing by continuously modeling ourselves as compassionate individuals who act in Christ. Her Safe Haven seeks to walk alongside the women in their journey of recovery, helping them to rediscover their sense of safety and purpose.

For over a year now, Sue has been enjoying bible study with the residents. In early 2025, Sue welcomed her friend, Jan Maharg, to join her in leading the weekly bible study lessons. Introducing new faithful volunteers like Jan to the HSH ministry has been a valuable extension of their service. One of the greatest honors that Sue, Ross and Jan experienced was facilitating a baptism for a resident who chose to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior. They baptized her at their church in the presence of Her Safe Haven residents and staff.

Ross spoke about how volunteering at the home opened his eyes to the reality that the women we serve are everyday people — mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who have experienced deep hurt, often within their own homes. Many come searching not only for safety, but for a faith-based community where they can rediscover who they are and who they were created to be.

When asked what they would say to anyone considering serving with Her Safe Haven, Sue was quick to share that many people may feel insecure about what they have to offer. She had a similar feeling at the start of her journey with HSH and quickly found her heart pulled in so many meaningful directions for service. She emphasized that everyone has gifts and skills that can be used to support this mission. From her time with the residents, she has seen how even simple things make a difference. Ross added that the addition of music therapy could bring creativity, peace, and relaxation into the home.

The Jenny’s remind us that awareness becomes action when ordinary people choose to show upon a consistent basis week after week bringing about kindness, compassion, and faith. They have beautifully demonstrated how light can be found even in the darkest of places.

We are deeply grateful for Sue and Ross and for every volunteer who makes Her Safe Haven a place of hope and healing.

See picture of Ross & Sue Jenny with friend and HSH volunteer Jan Maharg.