Volunteer Spotlight: The Rindel Boys
Carl and Andre Rindel have been our most steadfast volunteers. Without Carl we’d probably still be using typewriters and without Andre, among many other things, Monika’s House Shelter would be overgrown with briars. If the name Rindel sounds familiar, it’s because Sheryl Rindel directs our adult counseling program. What makes a husband and son get involved in their wife’s/mom’s workplace? We asked Carl and Andre to find out.
How long have you been volunteering for DVRC?
Carl: Forever! At least that’s what it feels like… I gratefully volunteered to help out with some minor computer issues the staff had at the start of 2005 while the agency’s PC infrastructure consisted of 4 PCs that dated from the very early 1990’s. Soon afterward the Domestic Violence Resource Center received a donation of 54 desktop PCs and 51 laptops. I again volunteered to install some software on these. Keep in mind that there was at the time no computer network or internet. This was of course the obvious next step and by then I no longer had to volunteer as I’d become a dependable part of the Domestic Violence Resource Center’s family. With the help of Andre and Jordan, our second son, we went ahead and installed the network cables and hooked up the cable modem and all the other bits that today makes the Domestic Violence Resource Center’s computer network.
Andre: Altogether I’ve probably volunteered for one year, maybe a year and a half.
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with us?
Carl: Domestic Violence Resource Center is a great non-profit that is truly fighting the good fight against those issues which rot society from the inside out. It is hard work and long hours but in the end it is absolutely worth the effort when you see the difference it makes. You too should try it!
Andre: The Domestic Violence Resource Center is a great place, especially the staff, and the environment that you’ll be volunteering in. It’s definitely fun, and you can take my word for it.
What keeps you so committed to this agency?
Carl: My OCD… No just joking… I believe in helping those that help the men, women and children that suffer from violence by those close to them.
Andre: The fact that my Mom works here, my dad volunteers here, and that everything I do is for a good cause. As a result of working at the Domestic Violence Resource Center, I am opening a club at Liberty High School that will aim to stop any violence and prevent it in the future.
What does non-violence mean to you?
Carl: Non-violence means having mutual respect for each other and treating each other as we would like to be treated our selves.
Andre: Non-violence means there’s no form of any beatings, put downs, any form of physical, emotional, and mental abuse.
Tell us about a hobby you do together.
Carl: We love to do things like target practice at the archery range or go camping and fishing. It’s really nice to be able to get away and have a fun time in the outdoors. We also like to watch movies together as a family, either at home or in the cinemas. Although we haven’t gone in a while we also love to spend a day out snowboarding and exploring the countryside.
Andre: My dad and I do all kinds of things together. Now and then on weekends, we take our bow and arrows down to the archery range and target practice and joke around that. If either one of us hits the bulls eye first they get to choose the movie or the restaurant were going to eat at. Others are snowboarding, going to Home Depot.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Carl: I love The Last of the Mohicans. I’m a hopeless romantic and the movie also plays out in the most beautiful countryside. The lead in the movie also has great values and embodies most everything I think a man should be.
Andre: My favorite movie would be the Bourne Ultimatum, because its action packed. The main character tries to escape all the violence around him, and goes through a series of events trying to remember his past and have a normal family and life.
When you cook, what meal is the most fun to make?
Carl: I love to make everything from scratch but without a recipe. So it depends greatly on what is in the fridge at the time.
Andre: My most fun meal to make is probably pasta, or hamburger helper.
In five years, how will your life be different than it is now?
Carl: We will be debt free and hopefully own our own house… preferably on about 40 plus acres of land. Also, in 5 years time Andre will be done with school and Jordan will be close to finishing. I suppose that I now strangely look forward to becoming a dignified senile delinquent as I grow older with my lovely wife!
Andre: In 5 years I’ll be in college and I’ll have a car and most definitely a little job.
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More stories:
Editorial: Holiday Giving
House Rules: Monika’s House Shelter as a Temporary Home
Invitation: Free Holiday Concerts with ISing Community Choir
Journeys of Survival: Vicki B.
