Ivy became a part of the GIFTS team as an Administrative Assistant in November. Ivy started her journey with GIFTS in August 2021 as a volunteer! Her happy face and friendly demeanor along with her administrative skills made her a perfect fit. Ivy comes to our organization as a 2018 Blackhawk Technical College graduate and a strong background in volunteering. She has worked locally with Cedar Crest and McFarland Pheasants.

Ivy reflects on the blessings she’s had in life. One of those was being adopted from Thailand by a kind and loving Christian/Jewish family in 1998. She was saved at the age of 15 and began her faith journey with Christ. Ivy’s favorite Bible verse has always been 1 Samuel 16:7, “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” This verse speaks to her deeply as she grew up with a disability. It lives in her soul because she knows no matter what God (and her family) care not what is on the outside, but only that she has a servant’s heart ready to serve Him. It is yet another blessing in her life to use that servant’s heart at GIFTS!

Tracy joined GIFTS ministry in January. Tracy comes to GIFTS with a combined non-profit experience of 20 years. Most recently she has worked with Faith Lutheran Church, Janesville and Girl Scouts of Badgerland Council. Tracy’s experience and training have been focused on volunteer management, relationship building, communications, and community outreach. Her passion is helping build connections and seeing people fulfilled by being difference-makers in their community.

Tracy and her husband, Brian, live in Orfordville. Their family is abundantly blessed with three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and three of the cutest granddaughters. Tracy and Brian have one dog and have recently begun fostering dogs. Tracy loves to travel, connect with friends, bake, and be creative.

One Bible verse that resonates with Tracy and motivates her in all she does is Ephesians 4:1 “ I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” She believes that God has given us all the never-ending, amazing gift of Grace. It is her daily reminder that God has given her purpose here and the gifts He’s given should be used with intention!