What I Am Most Proud of By Deb Johnson

1. I am proud that Hope kids are involved in service to others in their community. Change comes from the inside out!

2. I am proud of the several youth who graduated from high school this year despite immeasurable odds. Rahjee graduated from high school through Accelerae three years after his original graduation date! Jimmie graduated with a GED after being away from high school for 10 years. Kiera and Charles persevered and graduated this year.

3. I am proud that other agencies in the community look to the Hope Center as a place for kids to learn and grow. We are looked at as placed that employs and educates young people.

4. I am proud that we are reaching out to young men in the community that others do not see that they worth the energy.

5. I am proud that the staff at Hope persevere in bringing quality programming amongst the difficulties they encounter each day.

Deb Johnson (Program Director)

I have spent all of my adult life working with children. I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Elementary Education (K-8^th grade) and an emphasis in Special Education. I received 30 + hours of graduate training in Special Education at University Nebraska Omaha.

After years of teaching in public and private schools, I was given the opportunity to become the program director at the Hope Center for Kids. During the six years I have been in this position, I have worked with an amazing staff to developed programs with strong outputs in education and employability.

I have been married to a great guy for 35 years and have three beautiful daughters. Four precious little people call me “nana” and occupy most of my spare time!

Misty Dvorak (Youth Coordinator)

I grew up in central Nebraska just outside of Grand Island. After graduating high school in 2002, I moved to Austin, TX and attended Austin Community college for one semester.

While living in Austin I surrendered my life to the Lord and have never been the same again! After giving my life to the Lord I decided to move back closer to family. I started attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney in spring of 2003 and graduated with a degree in social work.

In June of 2006 I started working at the Hope Center for Kids. I am the Youth Coordinator and love spending time helping young ladies in their spiritual development.

I also like to travel, spend time with my family in the country, and anything that has to do with sports. My dreams for the future are to be a wife and a stay at home mom!

Alyssa Smith (Education Coordinator)

I was raised in east Texas and southern California, both very different places than Omaha, Nebraska, the city I now call home! In 2002, I moved to Omaha to attend Grace University. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, with an ESL certification, after student teaching for Omaha Public Schools.

In September of 2006, after volunteering for two years at the Hope Center, joined staff as the Education Coordinator and later took on the additional role of Art Coordinator. I am currently attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha in pursuit of my masters in Reading.

I deeply value living, working, and attending church in the same neighborhood and being involved in my community. Bridge Church is my church home. Reading, running, shopping, baking, art, and spending time with good friends and family are among my favorite things to do.

Pastor Ed King (Youth Development Coordinator)

Edward King (Youth Development)

I graduated from North High in 1983. I attended the University of Nebraska Omaha, Metro Tech and Omaha Bible School.

After accepting Christ in 1985, I became the founder and Pastor of Day Spring Ministries Christian Center in 1994.

I have been involved with the Hope Center for Kids for more than 12 years. I am currently the Youth Development Coordinator.

I married my high school sweetheart and have three children and four grandchildren.

Alysia Coit (Volunteer Coordinator)

Originally from the Portland, Oregon metro area, I moved to Omaha in 2009. I started working at the Hope Center for Kids in May of 2009 as the Volunteer Coordinator. One of my earlier childhood memories is my mother and I visiting an elderly woman each week to bring her groceries. In my role at the Hope Center for Kids, I get to help others experience the joy of serving others.

My husband and I were married in 2008. Our daughter was born in 2010. I love to spend time with my family. We seek out any activity that gives us a chance to be outdoors, weather permitting. I am always looking for a new hiking trail or something to plant in our garden.

Keke Brown

I am a recent graduate of Bellevue University, receiving my B.S. in Behavioral Science in June of 2010. Currently, I am attending school to obtain my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling/ Forensic Counseling. I have been the Children’s Coordinator at the Hope Center for Kids for over a year and enjoy seeing young people reach their educational and spiritual potential. I am the mother of a 6 year old son & a 7 year old daughter. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my children, family, & friends. I find time to volunteer at the pregnancy crisis center where I am an advocate for women and families in need.