MAHONING VALLEY, Ohio - Kim Ruble is a supervisor at Trumbull County Children's Services ( TCCS), where she plays a crucial role in overseeing programs that support children and families in need.

Since childhood, she has been driven by a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. 

"I knew from an early age that I wanted to do something to help my community and to help other people. And that led me into the field of child welfare," Ruble said.

Ruble graduated from Kent State University with a degree in psychology. She started her career at the Portage County Children's Services before transferring to TCCS. 

She has spent the last 20 years helping parents in the Valley recover from substance abuse and reunite with their children. This year, she was honored with the Supervisor Career Award for her efforts.

Ruble recalled a success story of a mother who had overdosed, a story that ultimately became a moment of hope.

"[The mother] was successful in reunifying with her daughter, and then she became a certified peer supporter, and she ended up being employed by the agency as our family peer mentor." Ruble said. "And to see that full circle, to go from someone who was once a client to now helping our clients, that's when I knew I was doing the right thing," Ruble told 21 News reporter Leslie Huff. 

Ruble's passion goes beyond helping children and families; she is also a triathlete who serves as the president of the Steel Valley Triathlon Club and an ambassador for Tri CLE.

She began racing triathlons in the early 2000s. 

Through group rides, training sessions, and races, she has fostered a strong community for people of all ages and abilities across the Valley, Northeast Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania.

"As we get older, it's, I think, harder to make social connections and friendships, and this organization is a great way to do that," Ruble said.

With her retirement just around the corner, Ruble stated that both her work and triathlon have taught her a lesson she will continue to cherish.

"A lot of times I'm working with people who are in situations that they feel are insurmountable, and I try to provide that hope and encouragement that even when it looks like it's impossible, that you can still do it if you keep going," Ruble said.

Ruble said anyone interested in joining the Steel Valley Triathlon Club can visit their Facebook page for more information.

If you know of someone who is making a difference in the Shenango or Mahoning Valleys, send an email to LHuff@wfmj.com, and they could be 21 News' next Changemaker.