Jon Hill has been a part of the Ray of Hope story for over fifty years. This month, we are celebrating that milestone and the impact he has had on our community. His time with us is a reminder that a commitment to others can shape an entire life.
Jon’s path to Ray of Hope began in the 1970s. Before he joined the team, his life was shaped by high-adrenaline activities like jumping out of airplanes and ski jumping as well as struggles with drug and alcohol use. These challenges eventually led to a legal situation where Jon faced up to fifteen years in prison for instigating a riot. This moment became a major turning point in Jon’s life. He made the decision to turn his life over to God. The judge, noting the change in his character, issued a fine instead of a prison sentence.
In 1976, just eleven months after those charges, Jon interviewed with Ray of Hope’s founder, Reverend Arman Wright. Jon began his career at Hope Manor working with youth in conflict with the law, starting a journey that would last forty-six years on staff. During that time, Jon worked alongside people overcoming addiction, individuals leaving the prison system, and people in our community experiencing homelessness. Jon focused on the potential for change and helped build programs based on dignity and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.
After retiring in April 2022 following 46 years on staff, Jon stayed on as a volunteer mentoring and building relationships with our Community Centre guests.
Jon is currently reflecting on these decades of service in a book he is writing titled Unless God, which he hopes to release soon. The book shares memories from decades of hands-on work and the moments where persistence and faith helped turn difficult situations around. As we mark these fifty years, we want to say thank you, Jon. Your legacy lives in the many people who found a way forward because you were there.