Tom Dean spent over 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry after earning his PhD in Chemistry. For 22 years, he was employed at Alcon Laboratories and became Senior Director of Business Development.

Tom earned Technical Excellence awards during his career and graduated with a Professional Management Development certification from Harvard University.

In our community, Tom has served as deacon and elder at South Main Church of Christ. He is currently a member of the Weatherford Rotary Club and Oakridge Church of Christ. When Tom took early retirement for his corporate employment, he became a full-time volunteer at Center of Hope as an Instructor in the Jobs for Life program where he teaches class, mentors students, and utilizes his gift of encouragement.

Tom first learned about Center of Hope when his wife, Denise, learned about the Center through a community Bible study group. Denise has been an active volunteer at Center of Hope for almost 10 years, serving as Church Coordinator for Center of Hope and currently volunteering in the office 3 days a week. Tom became an active volunteer as a mentor for single mothers in our housing program and also served as a Client Advisor.

When Center of Hope responded to families arriving from the Katrina hurricane, Tom was active in organizing relief efforts and helping those families relocate to our area. Tom joined Center of Hope Board of Directors in 2008 and currently serves as Board Chairperson. "I have found no place more effective at reaching into the lives of the hurting and desperate and helping them find Jesus," says Tom. "The faith-based community comes together here, without quibbles over doctrine, to help people."

Tom states, "I want people to know that if you're interested in Kingdom work, Center of Hope is the place to come. We have so many volunteer areas and opportunities to fit any interest or skill. There is a place here for everyone, both client and volunteer. I see Center of Hope as the place where people that society has kicked to the curb can come and be treated with respect, love and dignity."

Corey Tucker began his tenure in Parker County when he came to Weatherford College for his Associate's Degree. After graduating from Tarleton University, he made Weatherford his home and began getting involved in his community. Corey is Vice President at Plains Capital Bank and has been in the banking industry for over 10 years.

Recently, Corey was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Business Retention and Expansion Program where he helps develop local business relationships in our community. He was also the Community Service Award winner at the 2011 East Parker County Chamber Banquet.

He also serves as an Ambassador for the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. Corey has been active in both the evening and noon Weatherford Lions Club for 10 years and is 2nd Vice President Rodeo Chair of the Weatherford Noon Lions Club. Corey enjoys coaching his children's soccer teams and serving at North Side Baptist Church.

Corey first became involved at Center of Hope on the Golf Tournament Committee 2 years ago. Since then, he joined the Board of Directors and serves as Vice Chairperson. Corey enjoys serving in the Center's kitchen during his lunch hour with his church and visiting with people who come for a meal.

Corey says, "I enjoy having the opportunity to listen and encourage my neighbors through Center of Hope. Galatians 5: 13-14 NASB "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Patti Young has spent over 20 years in retail management until returning to education. Patti has an education degree from Texas Wesleyan and a Master's degree in Education from Texas Woman's. She has worked at Weatherford ISD for 18 years and began her career in education as a Special Education teacher.

Patti was promoted to assistant principal, public information coordinator and then principal at James Bowie and Juan Seguin Elementary where she opened the school and remained the principal until moving into a central office position. For the past 5 years, she has been the Executive Director of Special Programs for the Weatherford Independent School District. Patti has been involved in numerous community organizations which assist parents/guardians as they strive to help their children reach their highest potential.

In Parker and Tarrant Counties, she has been a part of several parent support and resource organizations, and works in programs such as Special Olympics, Central Texas Emmaus Community, Historical Society, and Meals on Wheels. Patti has been part of Habitat for Humanity and will participate in Parker County's first all-female crew which will build a house in our community this spring. Patti's husband, Keith, has been a Parker County resident for 21 years and their children are all graduates of Weatherford High School.

At Christ Chapel Bible Church in Ft. Worth, Patti is an active member and involved in the ministry for special needs children as well as the women's ministry. Patti first became involved at Center of Hope in 2008 when she helped put together Thanksgiving Food Baskets and has continued to be involved at Center of Hope since that time. Patti currently serves as Secretary on Center of Hope Board of Directors. "Instead of giving people a fish, Center of Hope teaches people how to fish," says Patti. "Through classes and the Jobs for Life Program, people learn skills to break the cycle of generational poverty.

But it's so more than that – Center of Hope provides opportunities for individuals, as well as families, to discover or renew their faith in the Lord while becoming contributing members of the community. For me, if I am a part of something that brings just one person to know our sweet Lord along with real life skills to fulfill his or her dream, then it is the right place for me to serve"!

Mike Brasovan is a small business owner and employer in the Fort Worth area where he is an Executive Vice President and a Managing Member of THG Energy Solutions, LLC. Mike has worked in the energy industry for 18 years and enjoys helping customers operate more efficiently and to grow their business.

Mike Brasovan is a husband of 18 years to Karen Brasovan and the father of two great children. He and his family now live in Annetta and attend Trinity Bible Church.

The same attitude of "continuous improvement" that Mike has in business carries over to his work with Center of Hope. Mike joined the Center of Hope Board of Directors in 2011 and serves in many ways to help families in his community and share the Gospel of Christ.

Wade Julian received his Finance Degree from Texas Tech University and then graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking through SMU. Wade has over 15 years in the banking industry and is President of State Bank in Weatherford.

In our community, Wade is active in Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels and is attending North Side Baptist Church. His interest in helping youth and has been involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and also mentoring in an after-school program.

When Wade and his wife moved to Weatherford, they heard about Center of Hope and were intrigued by how Center of Hope helps people with food, financial assistance, etc. and then is able to speak to people about Jesus Christ.

"I know that heaven is my eternal home," says Wade, "but there are lots of people who don't know that. I want to be a part of a ministry that addresses both the physical and the spiritual needs of people. With our government removing prayer in public places, it's even more important to have establishments like Center of Hope that pray unashamedly with people."

Wade's wife, Britni, also shares a desire to help others and has taught classes on cooking and smart grocery shopping at Center of Hope. Wade states, "God keeps blessing the Center of Hope with volunteer and financial support and I am blessed to be part of this organization."

Janet Fosterhas contributed unselfishly to the community through civic or business involvement for many years. With her husband, she has sold Parker County property since 1979. She has won numerous awards for her real estate sales for over 10 years.

Janet has held almost every office in the local Board of Realtors including: President, Realtor of the Year, and Realtor Spirit Award. In our community, Janet has been on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 6 years, Lifetime Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, President of American Heart Association and Citizen of the Year 2004.

Janet has taught Bible classes for over 30 years and is a member of Willow Park Baptist Church. Janet helped select the first Board of Directors of Center of Hope when it changed its name from The Provision Center and moved to its current location in 2003. She was President of Center of Hope Board of Directors for over 10 years.

"As a member of the Board, I am able to see all the avenues that Center of Hope travels to help others," says Janet. "When we face a roadblock, we work together to find solutions. I am at Center of Hope because God has mandated His people to help those in need. Center of Hope helps others in ways unlike anywhere else in our community. With a little encouragement and personal love, lives are changed for the volunteers, as well as, the clients."

Blayne Schorr spent 17 years in the corporate environment, achieving Vice President of Business Development in a large Houston-based company. As a businessman, he traveled nation-wide with large business accounts and achieved much success. But Blayne wanted to care for the needy and down-trodden of our society and left the corporate arena for full-time vocational ministry.

When Hurricane Ike hit the Houston area, Blayne was Executive Pastor of a 10,000 member church with responsibilities in budget development, volunteer areas, leader development and training. He led his church's efforts for hurricane relief and was responsible for the care of thousands who were without homes and power as well as the ensuing rebuilding efforts. Blayne and his wife came to New River Fellowship where he serves as Executive Pastor to bring a mission perspective and instill a desire to affect the world for Christ.

"When I came to Center of Hope, I saw the heart of people who truly cared about their neighbors and I wanted to get involved on a personal and financial level as well as through my church," says Blayne. "I was hesitant about being on the Board of Directors because I have many other commitments, but saw the value of being involved in this ministry that has the right agenda of wanting to help people through faith-based principles.

The thing that draws me to Center of Hope is the Jobs for Life Program which includes an important component to benevolent aid. This program adds to people's feeling of significance, boosts their self-esteem and changes lives forever."

Dennis Ledford moved to the Aledo area with his wife Barbie in 1979 and has been involved in community activities and their church, First Baptist Church of Aledo.

Dennis is self employed and operates an excavation and septic company. God has blessed him and given him opportunities to help others through his business and church. Over the years, he has touched the youth of our community. He's helped some people through church Bible studies and others who were lost and going down the wrong path, by providing them a job, work ethic coaching, and an honest look at their actions. He has provided housing and food for several couples who had nothing, plus getting the church involved in an "Extreme Home Makeover" Aledo style. He holds weekly Bible studies in the office for employees and others plus a daily devotional before they start the work day.

Dennis is committed to being obedient to God. He recently returned from a mission trip to Cambodia to visit other churches and people in the country. This visit has really touched him."I am reminded of all the stories in the Bible but it is still hard to see people who struggle not by their own choice…I pray that my judgment doesn't come before I can do all that God wants me to do. It is hard to grow in a relationship with God and not change your view on helping others. Dennis became involved with Center of Hope through helping those that have come into his life. Dennis is a member of the Board of Directors and became more involved because he sees the opportunities Center of Hope offers and has a vision for its future.