The TRU Team

  • Ruth Halpern

    FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Katie Zaifert

    ACQUISITIONS CHAIR

  • Marty "Hannibal" Bowman

    COMMUNITY ALLY

  • Barbara Abrams

    SECRETARY

  • Jessica Chasen

    PUBLIC RELATIONS & TREASURER

  • Michelle Bross

    FINANCIAL SECRETARY

  • Eric Halpern

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Hope Honeyman

    BOARD MEMBER

Ruth Halpern

Ruth Halpern graduated Glassboro State College with a double major in education and sociology. Ruth started her professional life as an elementary and special education teacher.

After teaching, she spent two decades in project management and developed a passion for training and mentoring people.

As the Executive Director of TRU Partnership, Ruth brings to the table not only her full-time dedication but also her boundless passion, energy, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Her vision revolves around the transformative power of repurposing donated items to enhance the quality of life for those in need. Ruth finds immense joy and fulfillment in witnessing her dream materialize through the impactful work of TRU Partnership. Her enthusiasm is contagious, igniting a sense of purpose and fulfillment among all involved in the organization. Through her leadership, Ruth inspires a collective sense of purpose and drives us forward in our mission to create positive change in our community.

Katie Zaifert

Katie Zaifert graduated Tufts University majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and World Religion. She received her Master’s Degree from Drexel University.

Katie has been a Compliance Director with University of Pennsylvania for over 25 years.

As an expert in compliance, Katie keeps us all in line and ensures we follow guidelines for IDE (inclusion, diversity and equity) as well as safety for our volunteers and recipients of donations.

Marty “Hannibal” Bowman

Marty Bowman lives in Camden (one of the main areas we assist) and is dedicated to his family and helping others.

As a member of the community, Marty’s insight helps guide our outreach programs, donation distribution and helps us grow our relationships with the community.

Much like Hannibal from the A-Team, Marty's charisma, strategic acumen, and infectious humor play pivotal roles in our endeavors, helping ensure our mission's success with a touch of flair.

Barbara Abrams

Barb Abrams graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Occupational Therapy and NYU with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Barb recently retired from Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey as the Director of Disability Services where she worked for twenty two years.

As a former employee of a social service agency, she brings her knowledge of non-profit organizations and community building skills.

Jessica Chasen

Jessica Chasen graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science with her degree in Pharmacy. After the birth of her second child, Jessica switched careers and opened a therapeutic massage practice.

Running her own business, she acquired comprehensive knowledge across all aspects of successful entrepreneurship, ranging from accounting and marketing to navigating business regulations and compliance.

With over 25 years of volunteering experience in charitable organizations, Jessica, now fully retired, eagerly brings her business and volunteer skills to our TRU Partnership team.

Eric Halpern

Eric Halpern graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical and computer engineering. He later received his Master’s Degree in computer science from NJIT.

Eric is a computer engineer and has worked for Lockheed Martin for over 35 years. Most of his work involves the development of 3D animation.

Eric is TRU Partnership’s fix-it pro. He has rebuilt furniture, fixed broken electronics, and much more. When Eric eventually retires, he plans on becoming a full-time volunteer with TRU Partnership.

Hope Honeyman

Hope Honeyman graduated from Rutgers University with a Master’s Degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker.

Hope is currently a psychotherapist in private practice and focuses on working with trauma survivors.

As a former creative director for an advertising agency, Hope brings her advertising expertise along with her social work skills to TRU Partnership.