About Us
Change starts here

Our Story
Hope Rescue Mission was originally founded in 1999 as Union Gospel Mission of Missoula. What began as a ministry to serve meals to those experiencing homelessness under Higgins St. bridge in Missoula quickly grew to include a day center and later added a men’s recovery program.
More than 20 years later, what is now Hope Rescue Mission, continues to serve those experiencing homelessness, meeting the needs of many in our community through Hope Outreach, 549-HOPE, Hope Thrift Boutique, and The Grace House. While the ministries have grown, our mission still remains the same–help people, restore hope, change lives.
What is Incarnational Ministry?
We are to be witnesses of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not in it for us, our reputation, our church, or our organization. We are in this for Him, and those He loves. That said, if we do this His way, we will build a good reputation for Christ to be seen. We are not the “saviors”, we are the witnesses of The Savior.
This is where it all starts. Jesus became flesh “carna” and lived among us. He climbed into our world. This is one of the most incredible parts, and yet the starting part of the Gospel. John 1:14. Therefore, we are to go and climb into their world, where they are, how they are, who they are – not to change, but to give witness, by simply being with. A power of our witness is our “withness”.
Our Mission & Approach
At Hope Rescue Mission, we recognize that true change happens at the heart level. We believe that without the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, true freedom from bondage and sin can never fully be realized. In all our ministries, our interactions with individuals, families, partner organizations and our communities, we engaged in Incarnational Ministry as we walk alongside others through the 9 S’s:
SERVED Incarnational ministry is understanding this is how the invisible God becomes visible through us as we climb into, and not isolate from, the mission around us.
SAVED Receiving the Gospel, a key Word in Acts.
SOBER Addiction recovery program.
STABLE Life’s needle is moving forward.
SCHOOLED Training both Spiritually and Vocationally
SKILLED Gaining what is needed to provide and give back to society.
SECURE Able to sustain housing.
SETTLED Spiritually connected, housing secure, contributing to society.
SERVING Engaging in incarnational ministry.
Meet Our Staff

Jim Hicks
Executive Director
Jim Hicks comes to Hope Rescue Mission as Executive Director following 40 years of pastoral ministry. Jim received a BA in Biblical Literature from Northwest University, and a MA in Greek and Hebrew from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Being a lead pastor, church planter, as well as a staff pastor has allowed Jim to develop a wide perspective on Biblical leadership and its powerful impact upon people. He brings this heart and passion to serve, rescue, and transform those in need by the grace of Jesus Christ through Hope Rescue Mission.
When not serving Hope Rescue Mission, you can find Jim and his wife Rayleen, riding, hiking, and exploring the trails of God’s wonderful creation in this beautiful state of Montana. There is a path forward for all who respond to the grace of Jesus Christ. Jim invites you to partner with Hope Rescue Mission as we show others God’s path.

Jeanne Parker
Director of Operations
As a fifth generation Montanan, Jeanne loves spending time with God in His creation with her husband Steve Parker. A graduate of Polson High School, Montana State University and University of Wyoming who has enjoyed living all across the Unites States but has come home to her favorite place, Montana. Thirty years away pursuing a career in Chemical Engineering has brought many new experiences and challenges but the most challenging job has been raising two wonderful boys that have become incredible men. God has guided Jeanne to a new challenge as the Kids Ministry Director at Church at the Gates. Moving from manufacturing chemicals and products to instilling a love of Jesus in small children has been quite an undertaking but immensely rewarding. Jeanne has been volunteering at UGM of Missoula, now Hope Rescue Mission, for over 4 years and joined the Board of Directors in 2019. Her heart is drawn to HRM to help people break the chain of drug addiction and poverty with the power of the only one that can possibly provide the way to life, our Lord Jesus.

April Seat
Director of Outreach

Sherry Gunter
Director of Finance
Sherry Gunter came to the Mission in 2012 to volunteer as a fill-in bookkeeper but God had other plans to use her 18-year banking career and 6 years as a church administrator for His good.
Her educational background in Religious Studies and Communication Arts along with classes and experience in customer service, accounting, human resource law, team-building, database management, and a host of others have been put to good use. Sherry’s passion to serve comes from knowing that Jesus has a heart for the poor, the widows and the orphans and a desire to serve alongside Him.

Jazmyn Maire
Director HOPE Thrift Boutique
Hello I’m Jazmyn Maire. I grew up here in Missoula, I love this community! I have been involved in youth ministry and outreach the past ten years and have been on staff with the mission since 2020 where I began serving with the Grace House.
I have a heart for those who are still lost and a deep desire for them to have an authentic relationship with Jesus! It is my mission to not live for this world but rather live for the Kingdom of God.
I love the outdoors and you can find me hiking and paddle boarding in our beautiful state! I also love traveling, one of my favorite places I’ve visited has got to be Greece! I’m always planning for my next adventure.

DeNae Hammonds
Director of Women's Center/Grace House
My heart and my passion is to help those still suffering from addiction find freedom, rebuild their lives, and restore their families through the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.

Jason Sims
Director of Facilities
Jason….Led by Lord and the Spirit to the Mission in January of 2017.

Shelly Wear
Volunteer Coordinator
Shelly grew up in Great Falls, Montana and moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana in 1983. She came to faith through her marriage almost ending in divorce, but thankfully saw the changes God made in her husband and wanted the same transforming relationship with Christ. Shelly spent the bulk of her career in the non-profit, conservation world at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Vital Ground Foundation.
God first brought her to Hope Rescue Mission around fifteen years ago when her family would volunteer serving at the day center or for dinners. She is excited to use the gifts God has given her and serve alongside an incredible staff, board and volunteer team to make a difference for those in need.
In her spare time, Shelly enjoys connecting with others one-on-one over coffee and often can be found hiking, running or walking in the beautiful Montana outdoors.

Ashley Corbally
Director of Development
Ashley grew up in Coeur d’Alene, ID and moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana. She fell in love with Montana and has now called Missoula home for 20 years.
After 10 years as an insurance and financial planner, Ashley answered God’s call to close her practice and step into where He was calling her–to work with those experiencing homelessness and those struggling with addiction. Ashley first came to the Mission as a volunteer and officially joined the team in 2021.
Ashley continues to be led by the Spirit and desires to obey wherever God asks her to be! She is overjoyed to be a part of the team at Hope Rescue Mission, utilizing the gifts and preparation God has blessed her with, to further His Kingdom. When not serving, Ashley can be found on a trail or somewhere on a mountain hiking or backpacking, enjoying God’s incredible creation. She lives in Missoula with her two sons, Peyton (11) and Liam (7).
Meet our Board of Directors

Steve Parker
Board of Director's President
With 34 years of construction materials experience, Steve presently oversees the Cement Additives business unit for CHRYSO Inc in North America. He is the recipient of numerous industry awards including recognition as one of The Five Most Influential Leaders in the Concrete Industry in 2008 and in 2018 he received the most prestigious Award of Merit from the American Society for Testing Materials for his leadership and technical contributions. Steve did not necessarily seek out serving at Hope Rescue Mission as much as the Lord clearly led him to get involved. It was a transformative moment and has proven to be richly rewarding to contribute to the Hope Rescue Mission effort in western Montana; bringing a likewise transformative change to those in need of such change. A change that only God can bring.

G. Curtis Davey
Vice President
I was born on the east coast and raised on the west coast before finding my passion for the great open spaces and wilderness of Montana. After high school and service in the Air Force, I settled in Missoula and the University of Montana where I crammed a 4-year degree into 6 years. I worked for the Park Service as a Ranger, volunteered with the Forest Service, spent time hiking, fishing, floating the rivers, packing horses, and hunting between classes. I earned a BS in Health and Wellness Education only to find no jobs in business or industry were available. So, I revocated into nursing for 10 years in Long Term Care. Finally, I was to use my education as a Safety Coordinator in a manufacturing company providing in-service, orientation, and accident reduction, so as to be in compliance with OSHA and industry standards.
A life-altering event put me into a relationship with Christ changing the trajectory of my existence. I was blessed with a loving wife and a son who has centered me and nurtured my sense of duty to God, my family, and community. Thru the latter years of my work life, I became a Case Manager and Counselor at Union Gospel Mission of Missoula at the School of Christ, an active participant in my church ministry with recovery from self-destructive behavior and substance abuse. With this experience, I was called to helping with the Board of Directors to bring Hope Rescue Mission to the level of effectiveness that is impacting, transforming, and changing those in our city with the greatest need.

Allen Cain
Treasurer
Allen Cain has been on the Board of Directors for 2 years and currently serves as Treasurer. He has a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University and recently completed his first year with Charis Bible College. Allen’s greatest passion in life is helping people understand the awesome gift of God’s Grace given to us through His son Jesus. His mission is to “To reach, teach, and empower others to live out the victorious life God has purposed for them.” When not teaching, Allen can be found hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring Western Montana with his wife and kids. His greatest desire is “To be a great husband and an awesome dad.”
I have always had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. But after going through a very difficult personal situation in early 2019, I prayed for an opportunity to utilize my talents to serve others in a unique way. God answered my prayers and brought me to Hope Rescue Mission. I bring my heart and passion to help others, restore hope and change lives in my daily walk with the Lord. I am blessed beyond measure to serve the Lord and others in our community alongside individuals who bring that same heart and passion to those most in need in our community.

Alex Burkhalter
Board Member
A graduate of Missoula Big Sky High School and the University of Montana, Alex loves Missoula and the people who make it special. His wife of 15 years, Erica and their three middle and elementary aged children are the Missoulians he loves the most. As a family they spend weekends camping and playing at lakes in the summer and downhill skiing in the winter. In between all that fun, Alex specializes in the development of affordable rental housing using federal programs all across Montana and surrounding states. When not playing with family or working, Alex loves to ride mountain bikes; always looking for one more climb followed by an adrenaline filled race back to the bottom. First in his life, adding joy and color to all other areas, is his love and gratitude for Jesus Christ and the incredible act of redemption and love shown by Him made available to all who place their faith in Him.
or all who respond to the grace of Jesus Christ.

Jonathan Howie
Board Member
Jonathan is grateful to be a part of the Board of Directors for Hope Rescue Mission. Indeed, my life was “saved” by grace back in 2000 and I have been a faithful follower of Jesus since then.
Jonathan is an entrepreneur and business owner here in Missoula. He has nearly 25 years in business experience and feel called that he can make an impact for God’s kingdom through business. Jonathan’s hobbies include running, cycling, and exercise. He loves to play golf, ride motorcycles, and generally just have a good time with our closest friends. He also has a passion for music and has been a worship leader, playing guitar and singing for local churches.
Jonathan and Amy have been married for 15 years and he is the father of 3 amazing daughters.

Amy Howie
Board Member
Amy and her family are relatively new to the beautiful town of Missoula. Her and her family packed up their lives and moved here in 2014 from Colorado when her and her husband, Jonathan, felt God calling them to start a life in Montana. Amy is passionate about many things including traveling around our country and worldwide, building relationships with people and making them smile, mountain biking and pretty much any activity that involves mountains and lakes. On any given day, Amy, Jonathan and their girls are out exploring new and beautiful sights around Montana. Amy is a former middle school and high school teacher of 13 years but has recently quit teaching to help her husband grow his e-commerce business. Amy is thrilled to be a part of Hope Rescue Mission and looks forward to how God will continue to move in this community!
Your Donations Make a
BIG IMPACT
2021
- Grace House Program 34%
- Fundraising 19%
- Administration 17%
- Outreach 16%
- 549-HOPE 14%