Dear Friends,

Guess what’s new at Hope House! I’m gonna tell you right now.                              

As a result of our year-end campaign, we have room for more kids on both campuses for every program, every day. We have opportunity for expanded networking at the Gathering Space, where we’ll be available at Carstens Academy. And a new job training/mentorship program will impact the lives of amazing teens. What a year ahead!

And at Hope House Detroit, it is also a new day.

The Board of Directors has unanimously approved Riley Chowning as the Director of Hope House Detroit in the Jefferson-Chalmers community! Riley has been co-leading Hope House, along with Jessica Brown and Becky Gentry, for the past 7 years. During all of 2021, he has served well as the Acting Director. 

His heart for Jesus and kids recommends him as the leader for this new day. His 15 years of urban youth ministry, shared with his wife, Rae, qualify him for the challenge. His passion for the potential of these specific kids in this particular community marks him as the right choice for this role on this day.

Riley’s heart for Hope House this year is “to continue to follow the real.crazy.love. of Jesus every place He wants to go.  As we prayerfully join God where He is at work, we anticipate new and deeper relationships with kids, connecting, laughing, encouraging, and accompanying them toward their potential.  I am committed to Hope House continuing to be a safe and consistent neighbor, where kids discover and develop who they are because they feel accepted and loved. I pray that our kids grow in confidence in who God has made them to be. I pray that they recognize the passions, interests, and abilities He has placed inside of them. I also pray that their awareness grows about the possibilities that the world has for them and expands their horizons. I am extremely excited to see what the Lord is going to do in the next few chapters of His Hope House story, and I am especially honored that He wants me to play a role.” 

Gary and I will continue to serve on the board, under the leadership of President Kevin Brennan. We will serve in an advisory capacity when requested.

We wholeheartedly affirm Riley as the Director of Hope House.

We wholeheartedly affirm the entire phenomenal staff and team!

We are immeasurably humbled by all the Lord has allowed us to be part of in the last 12 years at Hope House. We are breath taken by His powerful, loving involvement in this neighborhood. His consuming love for the incredible children and their families has ravished our hearts as well. We are forever changed.

We are equally confident that this great Power and Love will continue to lead Riley and the staff at Hope House into the new season of real.crazy.love. Of accompanying and encouraging kids toward their potential. Of loving our neighbors in the power of the Spirit. Amen.

To God be the glory.

Gary and Becky Gentry

Hope House Detroit

You can reach Riley at rileychowning@hopehousedetroit.org

Hope House Detroit is a blending of community and fun, laughter and conversation, activities and food, personal and communal development, old and young, and love. real. crazy. love. In the name of Jesus. A place where people, kids and adults alike, are known, respected and loved.

Our vision is to encourage and accompany children and young people toward their potential.

We offer a wide variety of structured activities and programs, all run by volunteers and staff of Hope House:

• Read Around the Block (Marlborough)
• Guys’ Group (Marlborough & Essex)
• Girls' Club (Marlborough & Essex)
• Kids' Club (Essex)