How We Help

Many people and families living with disabilities feel like they don’t have community — both in society and at church. It shouldn’t be that way.

We work with individuals, families and churches to provide spiritual care and create communities of belonging.

We help individuals discover new skills, grow in faith and serve their community through various programs. We also advocate on behalf of people with disabilities on an individual basis.

We help families feel encouraged and supported by providing a community of people who get it.

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.

INDIVIDUALS

Our programs help participants learn new skills, grow in faith and serve community. Find out more.

 

CHURCHES

Too many people living with disabilities are leaving the church. We help your church become more inclusive. Find out more.

 

FAMILIES

Supporting a loved one with a disability can be hard. We provide a group of people who get it. You’re not alone. Find out more.

 

CHURCHES

Our programs help participants learn new skills, grow in faith and serve community. Find out more.

 

FAMILIES

Supporting a loved one with a disability can be hard. We provide a group of people who get it. You’re not alone. Find out more.

 

We believe all people are equal in God’s eyes. We believe everyone matters. Do you believe?

Mission & Vision

Hope Centre Ministries exists to celebrate the gifts and uniqueness of individuals who live with disabilities and support them in their walk with God and their faith community.

We envision a time when all people who live with a disability, together with their families and their friends, are fully incorporated in the worship and life of Christ’s Church where all employ their gifts for the benefit of local congregations and their ministry.

We aim to build inclusive worshiping communities that see all people as created in God’s image, gifted and capable of making a contribution. These communities provide an environment where members are encouraged to express their giftedness, as they desire, giving and receiving holistic support for the challenges of life.

We accomplish this by:

  • Encouraging churches and other Christian ministries to be proactive and inclusive.
  • Providing friendship and pastoral care, walking alongside each other, giving extra support where needed.
  • Being inclusive in planning processes and building bridges between individuals and/or groups of individuals who live with disabilities and the rest of society.
  • Being a catalyst for the formation of inclusive worshiping groups, support circles and other holistic solutions to meet the needs of people of all ages who live with disabilities.
  • Being a resource and an incubator for programs that provide support to people living with disabilities, making it possible for them to participate more fully in society.

Hope Centre Ministries is a Christian, non-profit, chaplaincy organization that holds to the following Biblical beliefs that relate to individuals living with disabilities:

  • Every human being is wonderfully made; created in God’s image.
  • Salvation is by grace, which is free to everyone as part of a victorious life regardless of the conditions and circumstances in which we find ourselves.
  • We present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and in deed, calling people to discipleship, but leaving to the Holy Spirit the work of conversion.
  • We all have gifts and must take or be given the opportunity to express these gifts in all of life to work for a just and merciful society, to the honour and glory of God.
  • Everyone, regardless of whether or not they have declared their faith in Jesus Christ has the potential to grow and we will encourage them to do so. As Christians we acknowledge that it is Holy Spirit who gives everyone the ability to grow.
  • We, the body of Christ, are one; all participate together to bring him glory.
  • Helping one another is a basic characteristic of Christ’s Church and no one should be made to feel less because they need more support. We realize that all of us need support from time to time.
  • Christ did not come to condemn the world but to save it. We will support, with out being judgmental, all those with whom we come in contact, prayerfully encouraging them to grow as the Holy Spirit guides them.

Beliefs & Values

Our Staff

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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Sarah

Community EngagemenT

Sarah will be serving as the Interim Program Coordinator during Michelle’s leave. We’re thankful for her enthusiasm, creativity and deep desire to see people thrive in their faith.

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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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.

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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!

Our Board

Jonathan Vaags – Treasurer

Cindy Stutski – Board Chair

Elmer Thiessen – Past Chair

Veronica Van Leeuwen – Secretary

Karis Regehr

Michael Stienstra

Become a Member

We believe all people are equal in God’s eyes. We believe everyone has value. Do you believe? Then consider joining Hope Centre Ministries as a member today. Click here to download your application form today.