Our Team

Rita Schaaf, executive director

A native of Perry County, Rita is a graduate of West Perry High School. While traveling the country as a military spouse and mother of three, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and her Masters Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University.

Rita has always been driven to serve her community. Whether it is serving as a member of the local Moms of Preschoolers (MOPs), bringing about positive community engagement, taking an active role in her children's extracurricular activities, or leading local support groups, Rita has always been involved. In 2012, Rita began taking on numerous leadership roles with a nonprofit organization, Imperfect Wives, that is dedicated to counseling and support for the spouses of military members. There she was able to assist fellow military spouses in her community with the daily trials and tribulations that they and their families face. Along with this organization, she has previously worked alongside other non-profits such as Jubilee Market. She is also serving her local community as the owner of Perry County Cafe, located in New Bloomfield.

Rita resides in New Bloomfield with her husband, four children, two dogs, and two cats. She loves hiking, kayaking, campfires, and spending time with her family. Currently, the family attends the Church of the Living Christ.

Sheree D. Seifert, director of client services

Sheree has worked with Join Hands since April 2013. As the Director of Client Services, she oversees Internal Programs. Prior to that, she was a stay-at-home mom busy with her church, the PTO, and volunteering at Newport Elementary School.

In her life before motherhood, she worked with children with behavioral problems for Keystone Family Services and Catholic Charities.

Sheree is a Juniata County original but moved to Perry County with her husband Steve in Oct. 1998. They reside with their 2 children, Taylor and Jimmy along with a beloved mutt, Daisy.

Sheree graduated from Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Journalism and a Masters in Counseling from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland.

She is a life time member of Hope Eternal UMC in Newport, PA.

Brooke A. Haas, program director

Brooke came onto staff in July 2020. As the Program Director, she oversees and coordinates External Programs, which includes our warehouse. She has served on the administrative board of Join Hands Ministry since 2016 and with Join Hands Ministry since 2013 collaborating efforts for a Christmas program called Christmas Treasures to help Perry County residents.

Brooke is a 2003 High School Graduate of West Perry High School and 2005 Graduate from Central Penn College. She started working in the private sector of Law after graduating and has spent the last 10 years working for Cumberland County. She was an employee with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office for the last 5 years.

Brooke is also her husband’s secretary with Haas Creative Carpentry. She is happily married with no children but has two fur babies at home. She currently attends Cornerstone Church in Duncannon.

Perry Countians, You!

Join Hands was created to serve the needs of "our" Perry County neighbors. You are our greatest resource!
In addition to staff, Join Hands Ministry operates with the guidance of more than 3,000+ volunteer hours.

These volunteers are a core asset to aiding staff operations, service activities, programs, building management, special projects and keeping overhead costs at a minimum. Donate to Join Hands through,

United Way #: 230249
Check: Join Hands Ministry
Online: Click here
Volunteer: Click here

Here's the numbers,

7,339 Perry Countians received some kind of help from us at Join Hands Ministry.
522 PECO Students personally picked out school supplies,
- 522 picked out new shoes (thank you Country Footwear & More)
- 100+ received hair cuts (thank you Amy Beaston & Elizabeth Clark)
855 PECO Kiddos received an amazing Christmas
- ALL kiddos were sponsored.