Vision and Mission Statements
"This hope we have as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure..." Hebrews 6:19
Vision
It is the vision of the ministry of Hope Harbor to renew minds, restore relationships, and further the kingdom of God
Mission
It is the mission of Hope Harbor to equip teens, empower parents, and serve those in need by anchoring them to the hope of God's promises
Core Values
Core Values
- CHRIST CENTERED: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
- BIBLICALLY BASED: "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
- HOLY SPIRIT LED: "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:5-6
- PRAYER FOCUSED: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
- GOD GLORIFYING: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
- CHILD PROTECTING: "If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:6
- HOPE GIVING: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you a hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11
- RELATIONSHIP ENHANCING: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29
Ministry Staff
Miss Cindy, Executive Director
I have been involved with Hope Harbor since 2009 as teacher, financial secretary, board member, and now as Executive Director. I have bachelor's degrees in Business Administration with an emphasis on accounting and management and Business Education. My primary responsibility is to provide leadership for the ministry, ensure fiscal responsibility by being good stewards of resources, and continually striving to be a ministry of excellence. I have been married to Wade since 1990 and we have three married adult children and one granddaughter. I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, reading, going for walks, beating Wade at backgammon, and spending time at our cabin in Alexandria MN. I love sharing the Hope Harbor story with anyone who will listen. I also enjoy speaking to groups about how God has worked in my own life and how He has always been faithful to provide for every need.
My Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
Miss Melissa, Director of Operations
I was born and raised in small town Minnesota where cattle far outnumbered people. My grandmother taught me the importance of a love for Jesus from an early age. I didn't fully understand it but I held onto it dearly. I moved to Marshall in 2002 to attend SMSU, studying Sociology, Justice Administration and Criminal Justice. After college, I had the education to do what I thought I should, the experience to show me I didn’t know what I wanted, and plenty of baggage that needed checking. Wise counsel recommended that I pray Proverbs 3:5-6 over my life - and direct my paths He did! I found healing I didn’t know I needed in a place I never expected to find it: my job at Hope Harbor. My husband and I married in 2011 and welcomed our daughter in 2016. She gives me a whole new perspective on life and faith! God is so good all the time. I have been with Hope Harbor since 2007, and my job as Director of Operations is to ensure continuity over all locations and to assist everyone who cares for this ministry as they need me to. I get to laugh a lot, pray a lot, be creative a lot and usually I answer the phone too.
My Favorite Scripture: Revelation 12:11
Miss Jenn, Finance
Bio and photo coming soon
Marshall Location Leadership
Miss Melissa, Interim Site Director
I was born and raised in small town Minnesota where cattle far outnumbered people. My grandmother taught me the importance of a love for Jesus from an early age. I didn't fully understand it but I held onto it dearly. I moved to Marshall in 2002 to attend SMSU, studying Sociology, Justice Administration and Criminal Justice. After college, I had the education to do what I thought I should, the experience to show me I didn’t know what I wanted, and plenty of baggage that needed checking. Wise counsel recommended that I pray Proverbs 3:5-6 over my life - and direct my paths He did! I found healing I didn’t know I needed in a place I never expected to find it: my job at Hope Harbor. I have been with Hope Harbor since 2007 as Direct Care Staff, Lead Staff, Program Coordinator, Program Director, Director of Operations and now simultaneously as Interim Site Director. In this role, I support staff in Marshall as they minister to our girls and families each day.
My Favorite Scripture: Revelation 12:11
Miss Jenna, Program Coordinator
I was born and raised in Marshall, Minnesota and heard about Hope Harbor back as a freshman in high school. The ministry had been in the back of my mind throughout college until my senior year. I attended SMSU in Marshall and received a degree in Social Work. I also obtained my social work licensure in 2019. During my senior year at SMSU, I chose to intern at Hope Harbor and that is where my journey began with this ministry. I fell in love with this place and the work all the staff gets to do. We love on the girls and help them find their purpose and identity in Christ. I started here as a Direct Care Staff in May 2018 then moved into the role of Program Coordinator in May 2019. Fun facts about me: I played tennis for SMSU all four years, I have a cat named Chloe (follow @meowmeowChloe on Insta), and I love calligraphy and you will see some of my writing when visiting Hope Harbor.
My Favorite Scripture: Luke 19:3
Miss Rebecca, Teacher
I grew up in Morris, MN and attended the U of M Twin Cities. Go Gophers! I graduated with a BS in Agricultural Education and a teaching license. I taught 7-12 agriculture for three years, which brought me to the Marshall area. I started at Hope Harbor in September 2017 as Direct Care Staff. I have always known God, but working here and finding my church community has helped my faith to grow. When the teaching position opened here in Marshall I wasn’t too sure about it until I found myself saying “yes!” I truly believe that He lead me here. In the Teacher role, I manage the girls’ individual education progress and the classroom to help them with their school work. In the small classroom setting we have here, I get to connect with the girls more and spend more one on one time with them as they learn.
My Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 4:32
Miss Alanna, Biblical Counselor
I grew up in small town central MN with a great family and community. I knew who Jesus was and was involved in my church, but didn’t make Him my Savior until college. By then the community where I grew up was a bit shaken, so I found comfort in knowing my God would never be shaken or leave me. After I graduated with a BS in Community Psychology from St. Cloud State, got engaged, made the move to Marshall and began working at Hope Harbor. I felt instantly at home in Marshall between my coworkers, my church, and my husband, Loic. God showed up in His perfect timing by continual provision and showing me His plans are far better than my own. As the Biblical Counselor I love the opportunity to serve Him and this ministry in a new way. Some things I love: doing laundry (weird I know), listening to audiobooks, long walks, and traveling.
My Favorite Scripture: Matthew 6:34
Winona location Leadership
Miss Mary, Site Director
I've lived in Winona since 1967 and love the nurturing, wholesome community here. I have been married for 31 wonderful years to my husband, Rich. We have 5 boys and 3 lovely daughter-in-laws. My family is important to me! My growing up years were tumultuous and I made some unwise decisions as a teenager. Looking back, I know the hand of God was upon me to save me and save me he did! The work of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of my mother shaped who I am today. I taught in public schools for 10 years, directed church groups of many types as well as been involved in community activities. I'm so excited to be able to continue the work of Hope Harbor in our community! I have been with Hope Harbor since 2017 and my job is to direct Hope Harbor in Winona.
My Favorite Scripture: Galatians 6:9
Miss Lael, Program Coordinator
I was born in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and raised just outside of Winona, with a few years in New Jersey. The eldest of seven daughters, I was homeschooled until I left home for college. I attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, worked as a nanny, and graduated with a degree in Ministry to Victims of Sexual Exploitation in spring of 2016. I had the opportunity to live in the Philippines for six months working with an anti-sex trafficking organization in the slums of Metro Manila. This experience changed my life and really solidified my desire to serve young women and girls who are hurting. I have been with Hope Harbor since 2016, serving in various ways and all shifts. As Program Coordinator for the Winona home, I get to see and experience many different sides of both the girls here and the ministry as a whole!
My Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:37-39
Miss Sarah, Counselor
In college I found the acceptance and significance I was searching for when Christ drew me to Himself. God filled me with His joy as He healed me from looking for acceptance in the wrong places. I've always had a passion for people of different cultures and was ready to tell the world about Him! As God has a sense of humor, He called me right back to my college town of Marshall, where I hesitantly began as House Staff at Hope Harbor. Five years later I followed Him to Winona to serve with this amazing ministry's new house. I stepped into the role of counselor this year knowing God had been preparing me for this. I love to see Him work in these precious girls and their families, as I get to challenge them, pray with them, and disciple them. He brings healing to the deepest places, gives them a sense of significance, and guides them to live in a way that honors Him and blesses them. This job is the best!
My Favorite Scripture: Psalm 40:1-10
Miss Rachel, Teacher
I was born and raised in New Berlin, WI and Jesus was at the center for my family. I accepted Jesus when I made a choice to confirm my faith in front of my church and family when I was 18 years. I have a strong relationship with God. I graduated from UW Oshkosh with BS in Human Services. I have been serving young girls and teens since I was 10 starting when babysitting turning that into nannying for the summers. Then in college, I became a Big Sister part of the Big Sister Big Brother program where I mentor and have a strong relationship with my little sister, going on now for 8 years. I got in touch with Hope Harbor when looking for a job and I heard Jesus’s voice calling me to apply. As a teacher, I get to mentor and help them with young girls and teens with their schoolwork.
My Favorite Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6
Parker Home Leadership
Mr jon, Site Director
Jon grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lenoir, North Carolina. While he had a long line of pastors in his extended family, Jon never really quite understood who Jesus was. Like many young people today, he suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. At age 12, he found himself in his bedroom, looking to end it all. That’s where he personally met Jesus. However, it wouldn’t be until his sophomore year of college that he “got real” with his faith.
Jon attended and played football for the Winston-Salem State University Rams. He never played a snap until his sophomore year, when he noticed during a game there were only 10 guys on the field. He heard a voice in his head say go. So, he went. (That’s right, he put himself into the game). The Rams were punting (and as Jon states, “the Red Sea parted”) and he delivered a crushing tackle. Thinking he would be kicked off the team, the coaches instead congratulated him for being ready when his number was called. (Kids, don’t try this at home). He later became #1 on the depth chart for cornerbacks throughout his junior and senior years he won conference championships and finished his senior year as a Division II finalist.
He graduated with a degree in Business Management, and after hoping to make a pro team, laid that dream down and began teaching at Hickory High School in North Carolina. He received an invitation to try out for the Sioux Falls Storm arena football team. He made the cut and Sioux Falls became his new home. He also taught and coached football and basketball at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls. He met John Glasser from Collision, through a mutual friend Charlie Sanders and would go on the spend the next 2 1/2 years at Collision. Jon has been serving the community of Sioux Falls Since he arrived with the storm in 2013 and hasn’t stopped yet.
Jon is married to his childhood love, Marcy, and has a growing family of two boys, two girls and one on the way. He enjoys family time, coaching his son’s flag football team, training his daughter lezlei in basketball, writing free verse poetry and public speaking. On Sundays, you will often find him speaking at various churches or singing on stage. Jon is excited and eager to respond to the call from God to join the Hope Harbor Team!