Executive Director, Paula Robinson, worked in corporate business for 15 years in Accounting and Business Management. These years of leadership and experience equip Paula as Executive Director to ensure that Center of Hope is financially solid and to wisely administer the generous donations given by our community.

Paula is a member of Rotary Club, Adult and Community Education Advisory Council, Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, Board member of Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and member of East Parker County Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, Paula helped start the Community Resource Group to help local agencies utilize resources in Parker County. "I believe that we can best help others when our community works together, pooling our experience and knowledge," states Paula.

Paula is an active member of Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church and serves on the Finance Committee. She and her husband, Jeff, have four sons and 3 grandchildren.

Paula first became involved with Center of Hope in 2002, when it was called The Provision Center, volunteering in the food pantry. In 2003, she became Co-Director and the organization's name was changed to Center of Hope. "I have done every job there is here – from scrubbing bathrooms, paying bills, painting walls, driving the truck and trailer to Tarrant Area Food Bank, hiring staff, working with churches and volunteers and praying with hurting people," explains Paula. "I have seen God grow this ministry into a true place of hope where Jesus is Lord and THE Center of all our hope".

Paula continues, "God allows us to see changed lives – restored hope – and new joy as we are part of His work. The people who work at Center of Hope, both staff and volunteers, are the 'cream of the crop' and I am grateful to share Kingdom work with them. God takes care of the details, bringing people with talents, abilities, and experience to meet whatever challenges we face. He provides every need."

Jerry Buchanan organizes and develops classes as Hope for Tomorrow Program Director. For over 18 years, Jerry worked in a corporate IT computer environment as a computer programmer, Customer Support Team Lead, and Quality Assurance Manager. His years of experience help him direct a team of volunteers to provide a variety of classes for our clients which supports the relational ministry of Center of Hope.

Jerry is a member of Trinity Bible Church and has served as usher/greeter there. Currently, he volunteer coaches Peaster High School Baseball, is a member of Peaster Booster Club and umpired for both Peaster and Weatherford youth baseball leagues. He's been a member of the Rotary Club, Little League baseball 6 years, Express Basketball 2 years, and Junior League basketball 4 years.

Jerry first heard about Center of Hope when he coached a baseball team of the son of a Center of Hope staff member. Later, he helped with various projects and volunteered as a mentor in the Housing Program. Four years ago, Jerry received a calling for full-time vocational ministry and looked at several options. "When the opportunity came at Center of Hope, I knew it was a good fit for me and my family," states Jerry. "My jaw drops to the ground every day as I see God bring a person with a specific background or message to the person who needs to hear. God matches the right people together to bring healing to lives." Jerry continues to say, "During the process of helping others break destructive cycles in their lives, people need support and encouragement. Every person comes with different problems and reasons why they are here for help. Therefore, we offer a wide variety of solutions and options. At the Center, we meet client needs at a deeper level and point them to God. We help people move towards self-sufficiency and find a new beginning."

Jane Wilsky is Center Director for the Weatherford location. In her professional endeavors, she has been a licensed cosmetologist, receptionist, preschool teacher, and fitness salon manager. Jane's priority has been as a full-time mother and her previous employment has been designed to fit around the needs of her family. Jane is an active member at First Baptist Church in Weatherford and has been with a community Bible study group for the last 11 years. At church, Jane has served as a teacher for Mission Friends, GA's, and Vacation Bible School. She has also volunteered with her daughter's volleyball, soccer, basketball and school activities.

Jane came to Center of Hope in 2003 with her Bible study group to tour the Weatherford location. "I discovered that they served meals and I wanted to help feed hungry people," says Jane. At St. Stephens Catholic Church, she was instrumental in their church becoming a Church of Hope at the Center and was the Church Kitchen Coordinator to organize their church serving meals one week each quarter. She also volunteered as a Client Advisor at Center of Hope 1 or 2 days a week. When Jane's family began attending First Baptist Church, she became Church Kitchen Coordinator there and was also influential in their becoming a Church of Hope as well. Jane also volunteered with Jobs for Life classes as a mentor and instructor.

After 7 years of volunteering at Center of Hope, Jane became the Assistant Director and then later, Center Director for the Weatherford location. "At Center of Hope, we are trying to love people any way possible," says Jane. "We strive to go the extra mile to make a phone call, find a ride, or give a resource to help people who come asking for help. It's not always an easy route when we can't give someone what they want us to give, but our desire is that no one should leave here with nothing. Not only do volunteers feel good about giving when they come here, but we all truly make every effort to love our neighbor and share Christ's love."

Laura Noll is Center Director at the East Parker County location in Aledo. From working in customer service for Ford Motor Credit and All State Insurance Corporate offices, she has experience working with people and business professionals. Also, Laura has a certificate in Lay Counseling and has served as a Women's Facilitator in Celebrate Recovery at her church, First Baptist Church in Aledo, for the past 15 years. She is also active in a community Bible study, served on the Aledo Booster club 4 years and is involved in various areas of her church.

Laura first came to Center of Hope in 2006 when her church was serving a meal in the kitchen. "I was hooked from day one," says Laura and she began volunteering as a Client Advisor 1-3 days a week. As a volunteer, Laura became Volunteer Coordinator and Assistant Director at the East Parker County location. After a short break from volunteering, Laura became the Center Director in February 2010. "My desire is to help others," states Laura. "I want to make a difference in the lives of people in our community. When the Lord called me back to the Center, I didn't feel equipped, but God equips the called and I knew I was called to be here. Growing up, my family could have been a client family which helps me to see the heart of people and not what's on the outside. Center of Hope is a place where we truly become a community helping each other, which helps us all."

Linda Livingston, Development Director, has worked with long-term business development for over 25 years. Linda began her professional career as a high school English and Journalism teacher. After receiving her MBA from Texas Christian University, her business development efforts began in the realm of the educational industry, where she grew a sales territory in Houston, TX. After transitioning into mid-level business management she handled marketing strategy and organized corporate philanthropic efforts. Linda's experience and talent for networking and bringing positive minded people together are a great combination for her current position at Center of Hope.

Linda's first connections to Center of Hope began when she came with her local church and brought food for the kitchen. In recent years, Linda has been a volunteer helping with special projects and events. Today, Linda is thankful for her position at Center of Hope as it allows her to use her business talents for ministry. "I am able to communicate with churches, businesses and organizations the needs of people in our community and how Center of Hope is able to respond," remarks Linda. "The American dream still happens here," she said. "We help clients begin a new journey and become successful beyond their beginnings. My favorite aspect of Center of Hope is that we provide a hand up and skills for positive changes through hope in Christ."

Linda's family moved to Parker County in 1978, hence bringing her here in 2000. "I grew up on a horse," states Linda, "so the western heritage feel of Weatherford was an easy transition." Linda has been a long-term member of the Daughters of Revolution. She is a member of Turning Point Church and serves on the new visitors' welcoming team.

Michelle Buchanan coordinates Media and Special Projects for Center of Hope. After graduating college, she taught 4 years in early childhood before becoming a full-time mother. Since moving to Parker County 11 years ago, Michelle has been a leader in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and organizer for a large Keepers of the Home club. She began homeschooling her 5 children in 1999 and was very active in the homeschool community and PCCHE co-op. Michelle is a member of Trinity Bible Church where she has served in children's ministry and supporting various mission projects. She also is a Kids Hope volunteer with her church at Crockett Elementary.

Michelle began volunteering at Center of Hope in January 2004 because she was looking for an avenue for local missions after her church hosted the series, "A Purpose Driven Life". She volunteered in the Center of Hope office, newsletter writing, and a variety of projects. About a year later, Michelle became a VISTA volunteer and organized policies and procedures for the Center and began various projects such as Angel Food distribution, ice cream at the Peach Festival, and more. Michelle took a break from volunteering and returned in 2009 to lead Center of Hope's summer Camp Hope project for children in the community. She continues as Camp Hope Director in the summer as well as Media and Special Projects Coordinator for Center of Hope. "When I write things for the website, newspaper, Facebook, or newsletter, I hope that people see God at work in our little corner of the world and discover they can be involved in building the Kingdom, right here in Parker County," states Michelle. "Helping fellow Christians get directly involved in ministry, where we get our hands dirty meeting the needs of others, is my desire. We are called to be Christ's hands and feet in our world - today."

Lisa Cleveland is Finance Manager for Center of Hope. Her experience as Data Entry Operator, Administrative Assistant and Payroll Manager have helped Lisa accomplish our finance and accounting needs at Center of Hope.

Lisa is an active member of North Side Baptist Church where she has served as a teacher for Pre-School age children and 6th grade students for Sunday School. Lisa has also served in the Awana's Program and Vacation Bible School. Lisa and her husband, Buster, have two sons and two daughters. Lisa serves as Vice President on the Weatherford High School Lady Roos Softball Booster Club and Vice President on the Weatherford High School Cheer Booster Club. She also volunteers in other capacities for the various school & sports activities of her two daughters.

Lisa is very active in her community as a coach and supporter of youth athletics. She and a close friend started the Weatherford Volleyball League in 2005 with 75 children. Now, that league has over 300 participants and has become the Weatherford Community Education Volleyball League.

Lisa also served on the Weatherford Little League Board for 2 years and coached softball with her husband 4 years and coached in the Weatherford Junior League Basketball Program for 4 years.

Lisa has helped with several Center of Hope events, such as Rodeo Can Food Drive, Peach Festival and the Annual Golf Tournament.

"Since I have been here at the Center I have seen God working through not only the staff but through the volunteers. Most importantly, working at the center has touched my Faith in new and deeper ways. I look forward to coming to work every day to be part of His Work. My favorite part of each day is the early devotional where the staff and volunteers gather together before the doors open to hear His Word and offer Him Praise. The bible tells us we are "Blessed to be a Blessing". I feel working at the center helps me live out that verse."

Platon Antonio, Grocery Manager for the Weatherford location, is known as "Tony" by his family and friends. Tony moved to Weatherford from Mexico with his family over 22 years ago and became a U.S. citizen in 1996. Tony speaks English, Spanish and Zapoteco (a Mesoamerican language).

He was a machine operator for 10 years in Weatherford and while he was looking for another job, a friend invited him to volunteer at Center of Hope's first location, called The Provision Center (which was located in a house), to prepare sacks of food to give to clients. After a month as a volunteer, he was hired to work in the Food Pantry full-time. Three months later, Provision Center moved to a location on Ft. Worth Highway where he helped remodel the new location, stock shelves, etc.

Tony relocated again when the name and location changed to Center of Hope at its current location. Today, Tony manages 3-6 volunteers in the food pantry everyday as well as weekly food ordering, scheduling donation pickups, Food Bank trips, cleaning, and assorted odd jobs around the Center. With a servant's heart, he does anything needed around the Center with a cheerful attitude.

Tony has been a member of St. Stephens Catholic Church for over 20 years and helps prepare children for altar service with the priest and serves as Communion Minister. "God put me at Center of Hope and as long as He wants me here, I will work with my whole heart," says Tony. "I love this place and these people. It is a blessing to be able to start every work day with my fellow volunteers and staff in a circle of prayer. This is God's place and we strive to show God's love everyday through food and everything that we do."

Phyllis Stephens, Volunteer Coordinator at the Weatherford location, started her career with Texas Instruments, Inc. in Project Cost Accounting while taking night classes at college. In the 1980's, Phyllis became interested in cosmetology and attended Aladdin Beauty College. She moved to Weatherford to be closer to her aging parents and managed a full service salon for 14 years. During this time she was also a single parent to her 2 children and helped care for her parents. Phyllis is a member of North Side Baptist Church.

In July 2009, Phyllis was looking to improve her computer skills and a friend told her about classes at Center of Hope. She enrolled in the class and was surprised how much she learned from the exceptional instructors. "I was amazed at all the opportunities Center of Hope had to offer the clients with job training and computer training over and above food and financial assistance," states Phyllis. After completing the class, Phyllis became a Data Entry volunteer at the Center and continued as a volunteer for 15 months.

In January 2011, Phyllis became the Volunteer Coordinator for the Weatherford location. Phyllis says, "God has truly blessed Center of Hope with staff and volunteers of outstanding quality who are delightful to work with. I encourage anyone who has a heart for the hurting in our community to come and volunteer with us. Every day is a great day at Center of Hope."

Tracey Hass, Volunteer Coordinator has been a teacher for almost 20 years. When she graduated from East Texas State University with her Bachelor's Degree in both French and Spanish, she taught Spanish to junior high and high school students. Tracey has also taught Pre-K students for 15 years.

God called her to youth ministry in 2001 when she served as Youth Minister at her church in Alba, TX for over 2 years. And then God brought Tracey and her husband to Parker County in 2004 when he began teaching math at Weatherford High School and coaching football and track. Together, they are active members of North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford.

Because Tracey had helped with benevolence assistance at her church in Alba, TX, she was interested in Center of Hope when it was mentioned at North Side. When her church came to serve in the kitchen, she came and took a tour of the facility. Instantly, Tracey knew that she wanted to volunteer to listen to people and offer help as a Client Advisor.

Tracey worked part-time and volunteered from 2004-2006. She went to work full-time for a while and in 2011 returned to volunteer work. Tracey's volunteer experience has been in Data Entry, Kitchen, Client Advisor and Life Coach.

When Tracey heard about the position for Kingdom Smiles Dental Program, she quickly knew that this was God's leading for her. "With Kingdom Smiles, I am able to listen, pray, and help people on a personal level," says Tracey.

"I not only help meet their physical needs, but also minister to their spiritual needs. Center of Hope is a great place that walks with clients through struggles to find Hope."