Leon and his wife Melanie have been married for 43 years and have three grown children and five grandchildren.

“God has created each of us in His image, and he has a plan and a purpose for every individual. I count it a privilege to serve those who are homeless, hungry and hurting each day – helping each one to discover God’s special plan for their lives.” —Leon

While in this position, Cole directed the organization’s human resource function, its social enterprise efforts within Hope Ministries Thrift Stores, along with the oversight and development of Hope Ministries outreach initiatives, both within its facilities and throughout the community.  In July of 2023, Cole was appointed to the role of President where he leads and manages all areas of internal operations for the organization.

Cole has a Master of Business Administration degree from Drake University, a Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader designation from the Christian Leadership Alliance, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa.  He and his wife, Stacy reside in Urbandale and are involved in leadership and ministry at their church home, The Mission Church in Urbandale.  They have been married for 26 years and have two grown children, Brennan and Aaron.

“Valuing people is one of our core values here at Hope Ministries. I am blessed to be able to lead our efforts at finding those with similar value systems, imparting our culture, and equipping them both individually and within teams to carry out this core value with all those that our ministry touches week-in and week-out for the glory of God.” —Cole

Kathy and her husband, Terry, have been married for 32 years and have two grown children, Samantha and Jared. They live in Ankeny, where they worship and serve at Prairie Ridge Church.

“I’m so blessed to have this opportunity to help connect God’s people with God’s work to lift up men, women and children in our community who are homeless or in need of hope. As Isaiah 40:31 tells us, ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’” —Kathy

While at Atlanta Mission, Jennifer had the opportunity to touch all aspects of programming including childcare, partnerships and volunteerism, emergency shelter, recovery programs for both men and women, and vocational programming. Most recently she played an integral role in designing the building and programs and managing the operations of Atlanta Mission’s first trauma-informed, low-barrier shelter. In her role as Chief Program Officer at Hope Ministries, Jennifer is responsible for overseeing our men’s and women’s ministries, which include both shelter and life recovery programs, as well as food services and our outreach program.

Jennifer has her Master’s Degree in human services counseling and executive leadership from Liberty University.  Jennifer resides in Altoona and attends Reach Church. She is the proud mom of one adult son Josh, who is studying to be an air traffic controller.

“I am thrilled to be a part of what God is doing at Hope Ministries. I am passionate about ensuring our guests receive the best services possible so that they can experience opportunities for hope, recovery and restoration through the love of Jesus Christ in every interaction with us. I love having the privilege of pouring into, developing, and caring for our team members doing the work daily as they serve our guests with courage and humility every day.” —Jennifer

Keith has a B.A. degree in English and writing from Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion, IN). Before joining Bethel Mission in 1999 as director of development, he spent more than 10 years as a journalist, editor and publisher, winning several statewide writing awards. His wife, Sharon, is an ordained minister and has pastored several churches in rural Iowa. They have three children.

“There’s something very special about investing in the lives of those who need God’s love. I feel privileged to be able to use my gifts to help others who are hurting. It’s an amazing way to get out of bed every day—knowing I can make a difference.” —Keith

Tim and his wife, Cheri, reside in Urbandale and attend Westview Church. They have been married 31 years and have three adult sons.