Dawn Van Den Hul

Dawn's life is a beautiful example of steady faithfulness

JFA is honored to shine the spotlight on one of our dedicated and faithful volunteers, Dawn Van Den Hul. Dawn has been a wonderful part of JFA for the past several years, and her steady commitment, joyful spirit, and servant-hearted attitude have made a lasting impact on our ministry.

Dawn was born and raised in Sioux Center, where she built the strong roots that continue to shape her life today. She attended Sioux Center Christian School before continuing to Western Christian High School. After graduation, she pursued a degree in education at Dordt University, preparing for what would become a meaningful and impactful career in Christian education.

Teaching took Dawn on many adventures over the years. She spent time living and working in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Indiana before eventually returning home to Sioux Center. Throughout her career, she served in a variety of roles, including librarian, middle school teacher for grades 6–8, 5th grade teacher, and finally 4th grade teacher. Her love for students, learning, and Christian education was evident in every classroom into what she stepped.

Faith has always been a central part of Dawn’s life. She grew up in a Christ-centered home and knew from an early age how important it was to continue that same foundation in her own life. Because of that, it was deeply important to her to teach in Christian schools, where she could help students grow not only academically, but spiritually as well. Dawn has attended Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center her entire life, where she continues to grow in her faith and serve in her church community. She shares that she is especially inspired by her current pastor, whose sermons draw her in each week through his clear love for the Lord and genuine care for the congregation.

Dawn and her husband, Herm, built a beautiful family together. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Erika, who are both now married. Their family has continued to grow and now includes seven grandchildren who bring much joy to their lives.

Her kindness, humility, and willingness to serve wherever needed are a blessing to everyone around her.

One special tradition Dawn remembers fondly is the annual family road trips she and Herm took with their daughters out East each year. Travel has been one of Dawn’s great joys. She has taken seven or eight trips to Europe, with one of her favorite places being Assisi, Italy. One especially memorable experience came after graduating from Dordt, when she and a friend backpacked through Europe for three weeks. During that trip, Dawn had the meaningful opportunity to visit the town where her grandmother grew up, a memory she still treasures today.

When Dawn is at home, chances are you’ll find her reading. Books have long been one of her favorite hobbies, and she often finishes two books in a single week. Her favorite book is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, a story she especially enjoys.

Dawn first became involved with JFA three or four years ago when a friend invited her to come help sort through clothing donations. What began as a simple invitation quickly turned into a place she loved to serve, and she hasn’t stopped coming since.

When asked what she loves most about volunteering at JFA, Dawn shares how much she appreciates the mission and purpose behind the work. She values how thoughtful each donation is handled and how much care goes into every item that comes through the door. She is also deeply impressed by the dedication of the volunteers and finds joy in looking back over the years and seeing how much the ministry has grown.

Dawn’s life is a beautiful example of steady faithfulness, whether through teaching students, raising a family, traveling the world, loving her church, or serving others through volunteering. Her kindness, humility, and willingness to serve wherever needed are a blessing to everyone around her. We are so thankful for Dawn and the many ways she strengthens JFA through her time, heart, and dedication. Thank you, Dawn, for being such a treasured part of this ministry!