Hope, Healing, and
Transformation Through Christ
For more than 70 years, Hope Ministries has been a place where men, women, and children find safety, healing, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Our mission is simple but profound: to present Christ as the answer, and to walk with each person as they heal, transform, and thrive.
Our Mission
Hope’s mission is to engage people in intensive relationships, help them heal, and foster long-term relationships to help them transform and thrive.
This mission flows directly from our belief that true healing and transformation come through Christ. Every program, every meal served, and every relationship built at Hope is rooted in this conviction.
This mission flows directly from our belief that true healing and transformation come through Christ. Every program, every meal served, and every relationship built at Hope is rooted in this conviction.
Our Vision
The key to understanding Hope’s vision is to understand our view of the root cause of chronic patterns of unhealthy choices. That cause is pain—deep hurt, emptiness, regret, and grief caused by traumatic experiences. Almost every resident at Hope carries unhealed wounds in their heart.
We believe pain is the root cause of addiction, anger, broken relationships, depression, and many destructive choices. That’s why our vision is to create a community in which hurting people find healing. Because only when people heal can their thinking change—and only when their thinking changes can they truly thrive.
(Our vision is often summarized in three words: Heal. Transform. Thrive. You’ll see these words throughout our ministry and programs.)
Our Approach: The Grace Model
Hope follows the Grace Model, a ministry approach built on three pillars. This model shapes everything we do and helps residents move from brokenness to wholeness in Christ
Grace
Relationships where people are loved and accepted unconditionally, creating safety to be real about struggles.
Truth
Constantly pointing to God’s truth as revealed in Scripture, and holding one another accountable to it.
Time
Lasting transformation takes time. Healing and identity change happen in God’s timing, not ours.
Whom We Serve
Many people experience poverty, unemployment, or substance abuse only in short episodes—they stabilize when given support. But others face these challenges chronically, cycling in and out of homelessness, addiction, and instability for years.
Hope Ministries exists for them. We provide long-term housing, intensive programs, and a community of support for men, women, and children who need more than a short-term fix. Our goal is not only to meet immediate needs, but to help break destructive cycles so people can build lasting, hope-filled lives.
Hope Ministries exists for them. We provide long-term housing, intensive programs, and a community of support for men, women, and children who need more than a short-term fix. Our goal is not only to meet immediate needs, but to help break destructive cycles so people can build lasting, hope-filled lives.
Our Story
For more than seven decades, Hope has served South Bend and the surrounding community. From its beginnings to today, Hope has stayed true to its core: helping people find life-changing hope in Christ.
1954
Founded as Hope Rescue Mission, offering meals and emergency shelter.
1980s–1990s
Expanded facilities and programs to serve men, women, and families.
2000s
Hope transitioned from a short-term shelter to a holistic model of transitional housing and recovery. During this period, the organization officially became Hope Ministries and moved into its current location on Lafayette Boulevard, formerly the Ries Furniture Store.
Today
A thriving ministry providing housing, meals, counseling, education, job readiness, children’s programming (Hope4Kids), and partnerships that extend care across the community.
Staff Contacts & Board
Hope is led by a dedicated team committed to walking alongside every resident and partner. Our leadership provides vision and accountability, while outward-facing staff work daily with residents, volunteers, and supporters.
Staff Contacts
David Vanderveen
Executive Director
Jim Cramer
Director of Ministry Partnerships
Debbie Mullins
Director of Finance & HR
Charity Schneider
Stewardship Coordinator
Monica Oke
Volunteer Coordinator
John Brown
Men's Services, Support Desk Lead
Nikki Crooks
Women's and Children's Services
Karyn Bracey
Housing and Support Services
Lynn Turner
Food Services
Jennifer Long
Intake Case Manager
We're Hiring!
Join Us
Explore our open positions and help us make a difference.
Board of Directors
David Kibbe
Mike Watson
Steve Huffman
Addrienne Batteast
Carrie Bossung
Aaron Carpenter
Randall Davis
Matt Helmkamp
Bill Weaver
Duane Wilson
Take the Next Step
Hope thrives because of people like you. Whether you want to volunteer your time, give financially, or explore a partnership, your involvement makes a lasting difference.