The Heart of Service: A Conversation with Stan and Bonnie
At Safe Places for Women, the power of healing isn’t just found inside the walls of the house – it’s in the people who fill it with love, support and unwavering dedication. Among those who make an incredible impact are Stan Hochstedler and Bonnie Nielson, a couple whose servant hearts shine through in everything they do. Whether it’s driving a resident to an appointment, blowing snow off the driveway or simply being a steady presence for the women on their journey to healing, their selfless commitment embodies what it means to truly serve others.
In this interview, Stan and Bonnie share what drew them to SPFW, the moments that have touched them the most and how volunteering has changed their own lives along the way.
How did you get involved with Safe Places for Women?
Bonnie: I first heard about Safe Places almost a year ago at Flatirons Church. There was a sermon on Acts 29…and there is no Acts 29 in the Bible, it stops with 28. Those were the acts of the disciples through or the acts of Jesus through the disciples. And the sermon ended with “what would you write as your Acts 29?” I felt moved to volunteer at SPFW. I was connected with Nicole and it ended up that they were in desperate need of transportation help. So I hurried up and signed up and it wasn’t something I thought I would be doing, but I enjoy it immensely and being around the women there has just been a real blessing for me. It meets the need that I have of being somewhat socially connected and having something where I feel like I’m contributing. I’ve gotten pretty close to a couple of the ladies and it’s been a great blessing for me as well as them.
Stan: I’m a snow pusher. I actually donated my snowblower to the facility, so I can go over and blow the snow or shovel. When I think about what those women have been through in their lives…God has given them the strength to get out of that and make their lives better, so the least I can do is move the snow for them so they’re safe if they have to get out. It’s just good for me to give back. It makes me feel good. My story is that I’m a recovering alcoholic, I’m going on 7 years sober. So it’s a way for me to give back and it’s very rewarding for me. I just need to help people.
What’s something you’ve learned working with Safe Places?
Stan: I’ve just learned that those girls are so strong, and they’ve made that phone call to get help and that’s hard to do. With my addiction, I was full of shame, remorse and guilt. But I’ve learned that I don’t have bad days compared to the days they’ve had.
Bonnie: I’ve learned more about myself and my own need for growth. I’m learning how to be a volunteer. Learning how to set different kinds of boundaries, but also learning to just give somebody a big hug when they’re feeling low. There was a time when one of the women asked what I was going to do for the rest of my day. And I told her I’ve got to go home and pick up all the crab apples in my lawn. A few days later they all came over and helped me pick up the crab apples! I told them, you don’t know what a gift this is to me, it was the gift of time that I didn’t have. It was a gift of love. I was incredibly touched by that, that they wanted to give back. My learning has been a lot about my heart and their heart.
What’s your favorite part about working with SPFW?
Stan: It fills my heart with joy.
Bonnie: Same here. One of the other reasons I enjoy working here so much is that it really fits my personality. Years ago I did a strengths finder quiz, and this meets all the things I base my life upon, which is empathy, harmony, responsibility, being a developer and seeing people grow. So I have a heart for helping. I can see their hearts fairly easily. It fills me up to see them grow.
As our conversation comes to a close, one thing is clear: their hearts for service have left an indelible mark on the survivors of Safe Places for Women. Their unwavering commitment, kindness and willingness to walk alongside these women on their journey to healing serve as a powerful reminder that true transformation happens in the presence of love and support.
Volunteers like Stan and Bonnie are the heartbeat of Safe Places for Women, proving that even the smallest acts of service can create ripples of hope. Their story is a testament to the beauty of showing up, giving freely and believing in the power of second chances.
If their story has inspired you, consider joining the mission—because every helping hand makes a difference. If you feel called to volunteer, you can contact kayla.winter@
