Mission
Our mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ
with those who are disadvantaged, marginalized,
or troubled.
Learn More About
Our Five Ministries
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
- Tiffany Svensson, Senior Hydrogeologist, BlueMetric Environmental Inc. Serving as President
- Dan Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Teen Challenge Canada. Serving as Vice President
- Michelle Scott, Nursing & HR Management. Serving as Secretary
- Sandra McGillivary, Managing Partner, Valency Inc. Serving as Treasurer
- Gerry Martin, Owner, Waterloo County Construction Ltd. Serving as Director at Large
- Marlen Brubacher, Senior Accountant, MGS & Co.
- Carl Hartwig, Senior Credit Rish Manager (semi-retired), Mennonite Savings & Credit Union.
- 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.
- Douglas Witmer, Administrator (retired), WLU.
Executive Leadership
Harry Whyte Chief Executive Officer
Harry Whyte joined Ray of Hope in February of 2008 after a career in industrial sales and management. While serving on the Search Committee on behalf of the Ray of Hope Board, Harry “Found Himself” and has been blessed to have this opportunity to serve Jesus and our community. Harry and his wife, Lois, have 4 adult children and, at last count, 7 grandchildren and have called KW home since 1988.
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.
