The Heart behind the mission
And so it begins
It all started with a love story! Isn’t it nice when it all starts that way? They were a couple many years ago - Jeanne and Bob - but somehow they got separated and went their separate ways. They each married others, had children - ended those marriages - and found their way back to each other after 30 years! They fell back in love and one lovely day in March, married each other on the beach!
March 18, 2017
By this time, Jeanne had started Showering Love - a venture that few thought she was capable of, except Bob. He always knew that she could accomplish whatever she set out to do - and he was on board to help. He helped build Grace, the first of the mobile shower buses, and has been lending a helping hand ever since.
Building the bus
After a major heart attack, he had to retire from work - but he couldn’t just do nothing! So, he went to work on the bus - and this is NOT something he ever saw himself doing. Bob always thought that he just wasn’t a “people” person. But it turns out he’s very much exactly that!
He listens to everyone
Today, Bob is a vital part of the team. He never misses a day - even when the weather is bad, Bob insists that the bus goes out. He says that some of our guests walk miles to get a shower - we should at least try.
Our guests love him so much - they laugh with him, joke with him, and trust him. Somewhere along the way, something changed in Bob - he found his people, his tribe, his “family”. They call him “Pops” - because of the way he treats them all with such respect and compassion. Even when someone is having a bad day, he can tell - so he sits with them, listening - because he cares, he notices.
And Bob will put on funny hats, t-shirts, whatever the occasion calls for, he’s up for it!
Bob and Jeanne acting silly
Even on his days off, Bob can often be found picking up donated refrigerators, hauling pallets of bottled water, unloading supplies - helping out wherever he’s needed. And these are all volunteer hours!
That’s a hardworking man!
Bob has an incredible ability to communicate with people in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and valued. His calm demeanor, patience, and compassion create an atmosphere where people feel safe. It’s why we haven’t found it necessary to call the police for help since Bob’s been on site. He can defuse most any situation.
All of this and more is why we call Bob Albaugh the Heart Behind the Mission!
Aren’t they a beautiful couple?
And the love story continues………
