Board of Directors

Brian Boven

Brian Boven

Co-founder, Vision and Growth

“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.

Kay Wood

Kay Wood

Co-Founder and Admissions

“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.

Liz Ensing

Liz Ensing

Board President, Founding Board Member

“God has truly placed me exactly where I needed to be as a board member of HGH! Being a part of this wonderful ministry has open my eyes witnessing these amazing relationships with residents and staff with a true sense of belonging. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “ Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11″”

I have my Master’s Degree in Special Education and have been working in the Special Education field for 37 years and continue to thoroughly enjoy my job as a Transition Coordinator for Forest Hills Public Schools. I grew up in the Detroit area where my parents instilled my four brothers and I to live by two simple Christian Fundamentals: to love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. My husband Brian and I continue to put God first in our lives and in our marriage. We have one son, Nicholas who is a college student at Savannah College of Art and Design.
I am excited about Home Giving Hope because I meet daily with parents and young adults whose dream is to live independently, yet who continue to struggle to find the housing with supports. I believe God led me to this mission and I am looking forward to how God is going to use Homes Giving Hope in so many people’s lives.

Allison Breuker

Allison Breuker

Vice-President, Founding Board Member

“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.

Dan Breuker

Dan Breuker

Treasurer, Founding Board Member

“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.

Heather LeMaire

Heather LeMaire

Secretary, Founding Board Member

“What an honor it is to be involved in this ministry! God has opened doors we never thought possible. It has been so rewarding to watch how positive the impact is on our residents, their families and the community. We are only just beginning!”

My name is Heather LeMaire, I have an incredible husband Dean LeMaire and a son, Carson. My degree is Industrial Technology and Interior Design from Central Michigan University. After practicing in the field for 5 years, I combined my love for homes and people into a career in real estate. Our family attends City Church in Rockford and I have been looking for a local organization to get involved in that makes a positive difference in people’s daily lives.
My neighbor growing up, Joey, was severely autistic, and it has always been on my heart to serve people with unique abilities like him. God opened the door to Homes Giving Hope and it is a perfect fit at the perfect time!

Kim Norman

Kim Norman

Founding Board Member

“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.

Laurie Krause

Laurie Krause

Board Trustee

“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!

Megan

Megan

Board Trustee

I am the proud wife of Adam and we have one wonderful daughter, Stella. I have lived in the Rockford area the majority of my life and attended Western Michigan University where I obtained my degree in Business Management. I am a full time mom while still working part time for an engineering firm in the Grand Rapids area. Our family are members and attend City Church Rockford.

I am truly humbled to be a part of the HGH board.

Volunteering has always been my heart. Being able to help with the fundraising committee the last few years has been such a blessing! Not only to myself but to all these amazing residents, their families and everyone associated with this organization. It is an honor to see how God continues to provide! It is my prayer that the Lord continues to lead me as to how and where I can serve Him best in this amazing community.