About Us

Mission

Learn More About Our Four Areas of Service:

Community Support
Youth Justice
Employment Services
Youth Support Services

Strategic Plan

In March 2022, Ray of Hope’s Board of Directors and Senior Management Teams developed the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. The plan identifies five goals to help Ray of Hope meet its Mission, Vision and Action statements.

Statement of Faith

Jesus Christ is at the centre of everything we do to invest in people, inspire hope, and transform lives. Read our Statement of Faith.

History

Changing the lives of vulnerable people was a calling that defined Rev. Arman Wright’s lifelong work. From his service as Pastor at York Road Baptist Church in Guelph to his 15 years as Chaplain at Guelph Reformatory, to the founding of the Chapel of Hope.

In 1965, Arman had a new vision – the reintegration of men and youth in the prison system back into society. He shared this vision with the faith community in Waterloo Region, and the community quickly responded! Ray of Hope was formally founded in 1967.

In 1972, Ray of Hope gained a firm foundation when construction began on its first facility, Hope Manor (now called Ray of Hope Secure Custody) – a safe, supportive space for youth working to change their lives.

From these humble, but visionary beginnings, Ray of Hope has grown into a thriving organization that provides a wide range of life-changing services—and precious hope—to hundreds of vulnerable men, women, families, and youth each year.

Today, Jesus Christ is still at the heart of everything that Ray of Hope does in partnership with our amazing community. We’re committed to honouring Arman’s vision and carrying on his legacy in everything we do.

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Meet the passionate, purpose-driven people who guide Ray of Hope’s mission each and every day.

Board of Directors

Meet the dedicated and diverse members of our Board of Directors. They provide strategic oversight to guide our work and further our mission.

Scott Starra

Owner/Operator, Massage Addict. Serving as President

David Barker

Educator, Heritage College & Seminary

Christy MacDonald

Senior Manager with Deloitte, Serving as Treasurer

Warren Griffin

Partner, Giesbrecht, Griffin, Funk and Irvine LLP, serving as Secretary

David McKee

Retired Lawyer, formerly Vice-President and Associate General Counsel, Sun Life Financial. Serving as Past-President

Del Brubacher

Owner/President, Mardel Electrical & Mechanical Ltd

Hilda DeBoer

Retired Manager at CRA

Paul Wagler

Proprietor/General Manager St. Clements Heart and Home

Jen Lambert

Mental Health Clinician, Canadian Mental Health Association

Harold Albrecht

Retired MPP

Jim Stirtzinger

Senior Leader. Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan

Rachel Weiler

Police Officer, WRPS

Shelley Stone

Canadian Director, MissionGO