Mission
Our mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ
with those who are disadvantaged, marginalized,
or troubled.
Learn More About
Our Five Ministries
Vision
People Investing in People ~ Inspiring Hope ~ Transforming Life
Core Values
History
We have been providing care and hope for those
struggling with crime, addiction, or homelessness in
Waterloo Region since 1967.
Our partnerships with community organizations and generous donors enable Ray of Hope to provide life-changing social services to young people, adults, and families—helping them redirect their life journey and realize their God-given potential.
Leadership
Board of Directors
- Michelle Scott, Nursing & HR Management. Serving as President.
- David McKee, Retired Lawyer, formerly Vice-President and Associate General Counsel, Sun Life Financial. Serving as Vice President.
- Reta Malloy, Community Care, Case Manager. Serving as Secretary
- Marlene Brubacher, Senior Accountant, MGS & Co. Serving as Treasurer .
- Carl Hartwig, Senior Credit Risk Manager (semi-retired), Kindred Credit Union. Serving as Director at Large.
- Ken Smith, Proprietor, Heritage Design.
- Marlies Hoffmann, Registered Nurse, Child & Adolescent Services at Grand River Hospital.
- Theo Lariviere, Constable, Waterloo Regional Police Service.
- Shawn Matches, Firefighter, City of Kitchener Fire Department.
- Sandy Hughes, Part-time Consultant.
- Douglas Witmer, Administrator (retired), WLU.
- Del Brubacher, Owner/President, Mardel Electrical & Mechanical Ltd.
Executive Leadership
Tonya Verburg Chief Executive Officer
Tonya Verburg joined Ray of Hope in August 2018 as CEO. She has been working and managing in the social service sector for over 20 years. Tonya and her husband Raymond have two amazing children, Nathan and Justine, and have lived in KW since 2012. Tonya is very passionate about the work that we do at Ray of Hope and is blessed to part of the team.
Scott Brush Chief Development Officer
Scott served over five years as the Chaplain to the Youth in Custody for Ray of Hope before switching positions to help build the Development Department from the ground up. Scott and his wife Margaret have four children, Jessie, Jeff, Sarah, and Andrew. They have called Kitchener home since 2004.
Debbie Woodhall Chief Financial Officer
Debbie Woodhall has been an integral member of the executive team and overseeing finances for Ray of Hope since 2007. Prior to joining Ray of Hope, she spent many years developing her skills and experience at a local health care facility in Kitchener. The pulse of Waterloo Region beats strongly within Debbie, having been born, raised, and educated in the community. She says her husband Darcy and two adult children, Derek and Dana, are her best assets!
Dan Wideman Chief Operations Officer
Dan Wideman joined Ray of Hope in 1989 as a part-time staff member in the Open Custody/Detention program. Over the years, Dan has transitioned through a variety of positions to his current role. Dan is married to Nancy, they have raised 3 children while living in a variety of communities in Waterloo Region since moving to the area in 1986.
Lisa Haller Director of Human Resources
Lisa joined the Ray of Hope team in September 2014. She has spent 15+ years in Human Resources field, not only working in the social services sector, but also in warehousing, distribution and manufacturing. Lisa is a hometown girl, who was born and raised in the Region and graduated from Conestoga College and the University of Guelph. She is married to Craig and together they have two wonderful children, Mackenzie and Abigail.
