January volunteer spotlight

Bob Fridgen is a lifelong learner. After 30 years of teaching math and physics in Minneapolis high schools, Bob became involved in volunteer programs including the Guardian Litem program in Hennepin County, where he was an advocate for children. After downsizing, he and his wife Sylvia moved to the Plymouth area. Bob learned about Interfaith Outreach through a fellow tennis player, Sue Wheeler. Bob is now a volunteer driver, bringing people to various education and health appointments two days a week.

People love to chat with Bob as he drives. Over the past five years he has met people from Morocco, Sudan, Japan, China, Turkey, Egypt and India. He has formed new relationships and has learned much about different countries and cultures. He has transported some people for 2-3 years. “They are gracious people, eager to share stories of their native land.”

Bob feels that “We really do have a community taking care of each other at Interfaith Outreach.” He enjoys meeting his riders and feels like he has traveled to parts of the world he would never have known. Bob believes “Interfaith Outreach is a great place to meet someone from a different culture and to do some good. I learn so much from them…it feels like we’re family.”

Thank you, Bob. We are proud to have you as part of our Interfaith Outreach community!

Meet other volunteers