About Us

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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

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.

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.

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 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.