Meet the YouthHope team
Staff Photo 2005
Front Row (l-r): Dave Bennett, Christine Fortune, Mark Drake, Dave Hodge, Trisha Britton
Middle Row (l-r): Wednesday Bennett, Christina Bell, Megan Linnell, Sarah Drake, Joanne Mueller, Cory Holloway, Mike Bell, Chris Britton
Back Row (l-r): Clarence Mueller, Mark Burton
Mark Drake, Executive Director
Mark has been with Christian Friendliness since 1988. He has worked diligently to carry out the vision that CF has maintained since its inception in 1936. Under his leadership, the ministry acquired and opened both youth centers as well as the camp. Mark faithfully leads the CF ministry team by providing both leadership and vision for the future.
Open Position, Office Coordinator
The Office Coordinator is often the first person people speak with at YouthHope. They take care of correspondence, gift tracking, and the newsletter layout. They also coordinate the Food Pantry and mailing volunteers, and organize various projects throughout the year. YouthHope is currently seeking an Office Coordinator.
Barb Montgomery, Director of Children’s Outreach
Barb joined YouthHope in September 2008.
Dave Hodge, Director of Teen Outreach
Dave has been with YouthHope since March of 2003. Dave’s desire is to help teens take personal responsibility for their lives and their walk with God. He leads junior and senior high youth groups, oversees a student run 5th-8th grade teen night, conducts a Christ-centered group meeting twice a week at Arrowhead Ranch, and invests time and training in his teen leaders. Dave is also in charge of the Business program which includes a cafe run by the teens and a car detailing facility.
Chris Britton, Director of Teen Outreach, Rock Island Youth Center
Chris leads junior and senior high group nights, holds an open center night – a safe haven from the streets – once a week, and holds a teen leadership training night. Chris meets the kids where they are and seeks to reach out to them in any way he can.
Brandy Chaffer, Director of Children’s Outreach
Brandy has been with YouthHope since March of 2007, working with the K-6 grade children in the Rock Island Youth Center. Her greatest joy is reaching out to hurting children and watching them respond to God’s transformation. Brandy leads children’s youth groups several nights a week, and after-school bible clubs in local public schools. She is also in charge of the Education and Computer programs for YouthHope.
Don and Missy Smith, Camp Summit Caretakers
Don and Missy make up the team that keeps CF’s Camp Summit running smoothly. Together they make sure that the camp is well maintained and organized, work projects coordinated, and rentals are booked and serviced.
