Our Story, Your Connection

Everyone deserves to belong.

Everyone deserves to belong. This is the heart of Hope Centre Ministries – the people, the purpose, and the principles that guide us. Explore our team, discover our mission and values, and learn about opportunities for involvement and governance.

We help churches better include people living with disabilities and become intentional about disability ministry as a form of outreach.

We believe Jesus loves all people — that every person matters to God. And we believe the body of Christ is strongest on earth when everyone is included.

Meet the Hope Centre Ministries Team

At Hope Centre Ministries, our team is united by a shared faith in Jesus, a genuine love for people, and a deep commitment to serving our community. We believe in the power of collaboration, actively supporting each other’s unique contributions as we work together. While we approach our mission with professionalism and dedication, our workplace is characterized by a joyful spirit, where laughter and mutual care create a strong sense of staff community. Together, we strive to build meaningful connections both within our team and with those we serve.

Shellie

Executive director

Shellie has led Hope Centre Ministries since 2008. She holds a degree in Special Education and has worked as a Special Ed. teacher for 13 years. Her personal journey as a parent has helped to fuel her passion for inclusion of people with disabilities in faith communities. Her varied experience has helped to develop her repertoire of practical strategies for inclusion. She has a wide range of speaking experience, from Sunday Morning Sermons, workshops, youth events, and more.

Michelle

Program Coordinator

Michelle has been the Program Coordinator for Hope Centre Ministries since 2015. She has varied experience with children and youth ministry and a heart for seeing all people connect with the Gospel message.

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Daniel

Marketing Communications Systems Administrator

Daniel provides much-needed admin and tech support. He is working hard to implement processes that organize data, synchronize platforms, and create systems for growth.

Jennifer
Community Care

Jennifer has been part of the HCM team since 2015. She has helped expand our understanding of what it means to provide spiritual care for people with disabilities. Born with Cerebral Palsy, she has faced many challenges and obstacles in her life. Jennifer’s journey is one that includes many hurdles, among moments of great joy. Jenny often shares about how this journey has impacted her faith and relationship with God.

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Margaret
COMMUNITY Connection

Margaret is passionate about helping people with disabilities connect with others. Margaret is working hard to facilitate different meetings, visits, and phone calls that let individuals know they are noticed, known and missed!

Join our Team!

Explore current employment opportunities at Hope Centre Ministries

Mission & Vision

The Heart of Hope Centre Ministries

Our Mission and Vision are more than statements. They are reflections of the work we are called to do and the impact we hope to achieve.

Mission:

 Hope Centre Ministries fosters meaningful Christ-centered relationships, offering spiritual care and a supportive community where individuals with disabilities can explore their faith, discover their gifts, and experience belonging.

Vision: 

We envision a future where individuals with disabilities are empowered in their faith, fully experience belonging within supportive communities, and have access to consistent spiritual care and resources that support their faith growth and development.

Our foundational beliefs are deeply rooted in our Christian faith.
These values guide our work at Hope Centre Ministries and shape how we approach every individual.

The Image of God: We believe every human being is wonderfully and uniquely made, created in God’s image and therefore possessing inherent dignity and worth.

Mutual Support: We believe that mutual support is a fundamental characteristic of Christ’s church.

No one should feel diminished for needing more support, recognizing that all individuals require support at different times.

Unity in Christ: We believe that the body of Christ is one, and all members participate together, each contributing to God’s glory.

The Giftedness of All: We believe that everyone possesses unique gifts and should be empowered and given opportunities to express these gifts in all areas of life, contributing to a just and merciful society for God’s glory.

Potential for Growth: We believe in the inherent potential for growth in every individual, regardless of their current faith journey.
As Christians, we trust that the Holy Spirit empowers this growth in all people.

Non-Judgmental Support: Following Christ’s example, we approach everyone with compassion and without judgment, prayerfully encouraging their growth as guided by the Holy Spirit.

Grace and Salvation: We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, freely available to all as part of a victorious life, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

Sharing the Gospel: We are committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our words and actions, inviting people into discipleship, while trusting the Holy Spirit to bring about conversion.

Beliefs & Values

Our Dedicated Board of Directors

Hope Centre Ministries is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors representing various denominations within the Christian faith, as well as diverse professional experiences. Their collective wisdom and commitment ensure strong governance and strategic direction for our ministry:

Jonathan Vaags | Board Chair

Cindy StutskiTreasurer

Ken Klassen | Secretary

Michael Steinstra | Member at Large

MaryAnn Kokan-Nyhoff | Member at Large

Karis Regehr | Member at Large

Michael Hillhouse | Member at Large

Become a Member of Hope Centre Ministries

Membership at Hope Centre Ministries offers a meaningful way to connect more deeply with our mission and the individuals we serve. By becoming a member, you join a community of passionate individuals who believe in the inherent value and potential of everyone.

Your membership is a vital investment in the ongoing work of Hope Centre Ministries. It signifies your commitment to our vision of a fully inclusive community where individuals with disabilities experience belonging, spiritual care, and opportunities to thrive.

As a member, your voice matters. You play a direct role in shaping the future of Hope Centre Ministries by participating in key decisions at our Annual General Meeting (AGM), including voting on the direction and priorities of our ministry.