This is RuraLove, a ministry of the Goshen Baptist Association. Since its co-founding by Joy Dickens and her late husband Tommy (Joy now serves as Goshen Ministry Assistant), it has embodied the commitment to “Neighbor Helping Neighbor.” In the 1990s, the Dickens family, recognizing the growing needs in central Virginia, envisioned a comprehensive ministry to address them. At their urging, the Goshen Association formed a committee, and after careful planning, launched the ministry in 1995.

RuraLove began in a rented warehouse that was quickly outgrown. Construction of a larger facility on the Mica Road site followed, and in 2001, the store officially opened to the public on Wednesdays.
“More than a slogan, Neighbor Helping Neighbor is a way of life for all of us at RuraLove,” Joy said in a recent conversation.

RuraLove’s mission takes two paths. The first is identifying families in need and providing assistance through local churches—helping them get back on their feet with donated items and financial support. Since 1995, the ministry has helped more than 10,000 families through contributions valued at over one million dollars.

The second path is the thrift store—better described as a “mall”—dedicated to offering items at affordable prices for families across the income spectrum. The store carries everything from jewelry, clothes, and books to full-sized furniture and electronics, all priced at a fraction of their actual value. Sofas and large items may sell for as little as $10, and even higher-value items, such as large-screen TVs, are sold at a small fraction of their true cost.

The store operates with the support of up to 25 volunteers, plus local teens who assist with moving larger items. “Without our dedicated group of volunteers, RuraLove would be unable to fulfill its mission of helping its neighbors,” said Collins Beasley, RuraLove Coordinator.

The vision that began in Joy and Tommy’s hearts nearly 30 years ago has grown into one of central Virginia’s most generous and effective ministries. All signs point to RuraLove continuing its mission of compassion and support for years to come.

Barry Schaeffer

Barry grew up and completed his schooling in southern California, moving to Virginia in 1980.

As a communicator, Barry was a regular columnist for CMSWire, as well as Intranet Development and Newspapers and Technology Magazines, and was a reporter for his local newspaper, The Central Virginian.  He was also one of four consultant/authors for the landmark congressional study “Informing the Nation” (1987.) 

As a customer service provider: while finishing college, he spent four years in the retail beverage industry, dealing directly with customers.

As a corporate manager, he was a successful manager with several firms, including:

• At Pacific Telephone, he managed groups of up to 150 people and was rated Outstanding among managers in Southern California.
• For Arcata Data Management, he took over a 100-person division known for significant monthly losses and late delivery penalties, taking it to profitability in less than six months.
• For Planning Research Corporation, he managed a staff of 100 contractor personnel in the computer center for the White House (EOPCC), taking the Award Fee contract from zero award to maximum in six months.

As a project manager, Barry successfully led and completed major projects.

• For the private sector: Pratt & Whitney Canada, Boeing Helicopter, Sikorsky Aviation, Ford Motor Company (through Tweddle Group,) World Book Encyclopedia, The Bureau of National Affairs.

• For the Federal government: Congressional Research Service (CRS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U. S. Office Management and Budget (OMB), Executive Office of the President (White House), Department of Defense (Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), Air Force Material Command, Naval Sea Systems Command.)

• For State Governments: Administrative Code systems for Texas and Oklahoma.

As an entrepreneur, he co-founded and led two successful firms including X.Systems, (founded in 1993 and acquired by XyEnterprise in 2009.) 

He is a graduate of California State University/Los Angeles with a BA in psychology, and of the rigorous Bell System Management Achievement Program.