Board of Directors

“I have loved seeing the changes in residents’ lives over the past few years at HGH. Each resident has grown in their independence in measurable ways.  They have each gained new friends and all homes have created a family type atmosphere that has been fun to watch unfold.”

My name is Brian Boven and I’m a proud father of 3. Ella, Max and Jacob bring so much joy to my life. My wife Sara is my Rock. My background is concrete flat work and most recently have been selling real estate for 7 years. I truly enjoy my work.
Sara has been pushing me for the last three years to consider housing for the uniquely-abled individuals that she works with and finds jobs for. Although starting Homes Giving Hope seemed like a major task, God has brought it into a reality by making a clear path to move forward. We purchased a home in Rockford with 23 acres to provide this amazing housing opportunity for those who truly deserve it. I am so excited to see all that our Father has in store for this ministry. To watch the volunteers come forward is truly humbling and I believe this will continue to produce spiritual growth for all involved.

“Homes Giving Hope has given me a hope and a purpose, a way to love God and love others.  I especially love partnering with families on behalf of their loved one and watching the growth that happens. I feel blessed to be a part of developing this ministry.  I couldn’t ask for a better way to use my retirement years, developing and serving at Homes Giving Hope.  Thank you Jesus!”

I have been blessed to have a career working with special needs individuals. I have a Master’s Degree in Education from Calvin College, with endorsements in Learning Disabilities and Autism and recently retired from my career in education in 2017. I am currently working as an Independent Supports Coordinator in Kent County and have seen a growing need for housing options for individuals.
I am excited about our mission at Homes Giving Hope. I want to help individuals create meaningful lives, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Homes Giving Hope’s goal is to give these individuals a place to fill their dreams. I am excited and am blessed and honored to be a part of this mission.

“HGH has such a special place in my heart! It has been a joy to watch each resident grow individually and together with their community. The Holy Spirit is so evident here and God is moving and changing all of us. To know them is to love them and to wrap arms around these families is such a gift. Overwhelmed with how faithful the Lord has been to our ministry from the beginning, and something tells me we are just getting started here! It is an honor to use my time, gifts and talents to faithfully serve in this ministry that I love so much!”

I was born in the Chicago suburbs, moved to Houston for a few years, and eventually moved to the Grand Rapids area in grade school. I returned to the Chicago suburbs for college and got my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Trinity Christian College. My husband Dan and I live on the north side of Grand Rapids and are the proud parents of two boys; Ian and Grayson. Along with being a full-time mom, I also run my own home organizing business; Perfectly Imperfect Organizing. God led us several years ago to attend Crossroads Bible Church in downtown Grand Rapids. I am currently involved in the children’s ministry and Thriving Motherhood which ministers to young moms.
Dan and I have a passion for helping others and have been praying for another way to serve in His kingdom and the doors opened at Homes Giving Hope at the perfect time. It is truly humbling and an honor and privilege to serve with this amazing team and to see all that God will reveal over time.

“HGH fulfills the mission that we as Christians have been called to to help support and serve those in need.  I love the opportunity to help others live a more fulfilling life and pursue furthering the growth of their faith in Jesus.  It has been amazing to see the growth in our residents.” 

I have the privilege of serving with my wife Allison on the HGH Board. We are the proud parents of two boys; Ian and Grayson. I was born and raised on a farm in Fremont, MI. Being raised on a farm has taught me to be hard working and dedicated. I went to College at Calvin College for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am currently employed by Integrated Packaging Machinery as the Director of Account Management. As the hands and feet of Jesus, my wife and I share a passion for helping those in need and have a desire to teach our children about leaving a positive legacy in this world. God’s timing for putting Homes Giving Hope in our lives was perfect and we are excited to see what His plans hold for the future.

“I love being part of Homes Giving Hope and seeing the HOPE that is instilled in our residents, their families and the community!  It is a true blessing to have the opportunity to continue to influence the achievement of  “typical adult-life goals” with the development of HGH homes and our supportive, independent living options!”

As the Transition Coordinator for 34 years in Region 1 Schools of Kent County, I have spent a majority of my life investing my time and energy in developing and supporting programs to help prepare students with unique needs for adult roles and responsibilities. Over these years, I obtained my degree from Western Michigan University as well as participated in several Transition Initiatives throughout the State of Michigan. The world of Transition is truly my passion and I feel blessed to be part of Homes Giving Hope!
I am excited to see where God will lead this mission now and in the future! I have been married to my husband Steve for 36 years. Although we did not have our own biological children, we are blessed to be “Nana & Papa” to nieces and nephews who are a huge part of our life.

“HGH is a place where I am reminded what a courageous and faith driven life looks like as our residents, staff, and board members embody these attributes ten-fold!!  What a privilege and joy to be a part of their lives.”

Over the last 30 years as a practicing school psychologist for Sparta Area Schools, I have participated in countless discussions with students and their parents regarding “next steps” after high school.  As a parent of a developmentally disabled student, I have also sat on the other side of that table as well.  It has become very clear that there is a huge need for semi-independent housing options for developmentally disabled young adults.  This past June, I chose to retire in order to focus my time and talents to this effort.  I have lived in the Sparta/Rockford area since 1994 and enjoy spending time gardening, cheering on my alma mater Michigan State University, and traveling with my husband, son, and daughter.  I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to join the Homes Giving Hope team and am excited to work alongside such a passionate, courageous, and faith-driven group of individuals!