Our Story

After watching the students come and go in a juvenile detention center for almost two decades, I couldn’t watch the revolving door any longer. Not only were the students returning to detention, making the same bad choices, as they aged, the revolving door became an escalator, taking them to the adult justice system. They would leave the structure of detention or jail with good intentions to live differently, only to fall back into the old habits and choices. My own transformational experience started the journey to share my story and help others achieve total transformation through the creation of Tri-Hope. In Romans 12, we read that God can transform us into a new person by changing the way we think. Only then will we learn to know God’s will for us, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

The “Tri” in Tri-Hope has multiple meanings. It stands for the three dimensions in each of us that must be involved in true transformation and long-term change. Spiritual. Mental. Physical. Any missing piece will jeopardize success. “Tri” is also for the Trinty: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The order of the dimensions is listed intentionally; the Spiritual aspect is the first and most important element in transformation.

Throughout my transformation, I not only sought out professional counseling, but also created a support network of people I could trust. While this network consisted of people from all walks of life, their commonality was found in the encouraging and positive environment they created for me. They could see me with all my scars and shortcomings and still surround me with love, support, guidance and understanding. I wanted to create that same sense of community for others through Tri-Hope. 

Having a degree in Health & Physical Education and training for triathlons, I’ve experienced the mental and physical health benefits of exercise. It doesn’t take extreme workouts, but it does take commitment to getting up and moving every day. Explore to find something you enjoy; just trying new activities will get your body moving and your blood flowing and offer so many benefits. 

Finally, “Tri “is a homophone of “Try.” Has what you’ve tried worked? Is what you’re trying now working? If not, try something different – Hope. 

Hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation when it is based on Jesus Christ, the anchor for our soul, which is strong and secure (Hebrews 6:19). I have found that regardless of the storms life may bring, we can rest in the unfailing Hope that is ours in Christ. Even when life feels hopeless, we can hold on to the promise of Hope offered to believers.