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By Allyson Parker
By all appearances, Helping Hands Nursing Services is a business that is deeply committed to providing quality care to each and every client by incorporating strong work ethics and dedication to their goals.
The ethics, President Ruth Huffstetler highlights, may be the very reason for the sustainability and strength of the business being celebrated.
On September 11, 2025, Huffstetler, along with staff, caregivers, patients and other guests, celebrated the 50th anniversary of business by having a dinner event at the LeGrand Center in Shelby, NC, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The celebration included a buffett-style dinner, cocktails and gift bags. The 'Black Table Cloth' event was sponsored by Helping Hands Nursing Services and Ruth Huffstetler.
Ruth and her administrative assistant, Ashley Hanley, not only spent months planning the event, but Huffstetler also donated all costs necessary for food, drinks, gifts and flowers personally.
There were also opportunities to have photos made upon request so the event would be remembered by all in attendance.
Ruth said she felt that the 50th year would be a perfect time to celebrate, since it is a milestone. She added, "I was especially happy to have Kay Holzhauser as a guest since she was an original owner of the business. I know that the success of our business has always been very important to her."
Huffstetler has been with Helping Hands Nursing Service for more than 30 years and began her interest in healthcare in 1988. In 1995, the former owner of Helping Hands Nursing Service sold due to her health issues. At that point, Huffstetler became the third owner of Helping Hands Nursing Service.
Huffstetler explained her position as being a referring agent for care givers of every skill level, meaning that she can locate care for each client not only based on their medical needs but also on that particular individual's scheduling needs.
She was quick to acknowledge the health care crisis the nation currently faces, and she stated she is not only dismayed by the strict financial restrictions imposed by the system in place, she is upset about the havoc it causes individuals in need. "If an individual has a few dollars more than what is allocated currently, that individual may lose the much-needed help they deserve. Often, the individuals in crisis have worked diligently all of their life."
She feels Helping Hands Nursing Staff's success can be attributed to referring qualified and caring caregivers as well as working from referrals from a broad array of hospitals, nursing homes, doctors, assisted living facilities and social workers.
According to Huffstetler, the business employs two full-time management staff and approximately 130 caregivers.
She is also a strong advocate for her clients and reiterates that by saying, "My staff and I feel that each of us has the duty to do our best possible for each patient, and we are the voices that speak for our patients and their needs."
When asked what she felt could improve the current obstacles in health care quality, she replied, "I feel people should be educated about the costs and obstacles of health care we face, and if it is possible to save toward those future costs, prior to becoming ill."
Hanley added, "I believe the event today is a success. We have worked since February of this year planning the event and we had approximately 180 guests in attendance."
For more information regarding Helping Hands Nursing Services, it is located at 407 West Warren Street, Shelby, NC 28150, and can be reached at (704) 482-8714.