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About Us

Vision

Create a wholistic school environment in which teachers are supported, students reach their potential, and campuses stimulate learning.

Mission

Be a light for schools, teachers and students in Kenya on their journey of education.

Core Values

faith. hope. integrity. mentoring. Excellence in Education.

2019-2020

In 2019, we, (Joan and Ed Gallagher) made a trip that would change us forever. With a group from our local church, we visited the beautiful country of Kenya and saw the breath-taking landscape and the heart-breaking reality of life in the slums. By the end of the year God called us to join Him on a journey to love like Jesus in a way that can change a community, a country, the world. Through much prayer, planning, and organizing we knew we were being called to love the way Jesus loves and be a part of bringing life-changing hope to the people of Kenya.

2021

Founded in 2021 as a 501c3, Hope Markers became the vehicle to see hope realized in the lives of children through faith, education, mentoring, and sports. Through the partnership of like-minded people, we began to scholarship children so they could attend school. Nutrition is a constant battle for those in the slums so Hope Markers funded feeding programs such as Porridge Sunday, and life-sustaining food bags that helped feed families. The S.H.E. initiative grew quickly through providing sanitary products for young girls, hygiene classes, and a time of mentoring so they know how much they matter to God.

2022

2022 was a year of growth, trips to Kenya, and relationship building. Throughout that year we as Hope Markers learned more and more about the schools of the slums and the needs of teachers, sports programs, and what school life is like for children of the slums. Our team joined together and saw that God was moving us in a direction that can reach more students and change the school environment. Instead of changing the world with hope one STUDENT at a time our mission became changing the world with hope one SCHOOL at a time. Our focus is to empower students, encourage teachers, and enhance school campuses.

Our Team for Hope

Board Members

Ed Gallagher, founder and COO

Ed Gallagher

Ed’s extensive background in leadership, and his heart for seeing others reach their full potential drives his passion for Hopemarkers. He is the National Operations Manager for Strategic Relationships for the Davey Tree Company. He has served as elder at several churches and sat on several school boards. Ed desires to aid Kenyans in their pursuit of their God-given purpose.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Doug Counts

Doug has an extensive background of over 45+ years of experience in leadership, sales and operations roles in various areas of the green industry and the commercial general contracting arena. My goal has always been to help those around me realize and accomplish their goals thru collaboration, guidance, support, and empowerment. Family has always been the most important thing in my life and my wife, Ann Marie has always been the driving force in creating a close family thru faith and belief we are here on this world for a reason. I am honored to be able to contribute my thoughts, creative ideas and experience in anyway possible to the growth and support of all those touched by Hope Markers in Kenya.

Board Member
Joan Gallagher, founder and operations director

Joan Gallagher

As a mom of three and grandma of two Joan is dedicated to family-life. She has a degree in psychology as well as experience in mentoring, athletics, and church ministry formation. Her combined passion and experiences give her the opportunity to come alongside young Kenyans in their journey with Christ, their education, and the betterment of their community.

Founder & Operations Director

Johannes (Yo) Louwers

Johannes (Yo) is a consummate professional, advocate and leader. He exemplifies all aspects that one would want in a team member, colleague, and friend. He has had a long career as a leader in the Green Industry and is currently the president of Mariani Landscape in the Chicago area and surrounding states. Yo and his wife Amy are also busy in their lives as they serve others through their church and other philanthropic endeavors. When it's time to rest and rejuvenate, they spend time with their two daughters and son at their lake home. Yo's wisdom and discernment has proven to be a great contribution to Hope Marker's responsible policies and procedures.

Board Member

Laura Strong

Laura is currently the Controller/HR Manager for a large paper company. She is active in the church, volunteering in various ministries and has lead women’s bible study groups. She loves God, her family and friends passionately. Laura has a servant’s heart and is always finding ways to help, care for and serve others. She looks forward to serving the Kenyan community and sharing the love of Christ.

Board Member

Team Members

Veronica Curry

Veronica was born and raised in Maple Heights, Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Coppin State University. Veronica has worked for over 8 years in the Non-Profit sector specializing in grant writing and designing programs. A love for empowering youth combined with a passion for her African roots motivates her to do all she does for the cause of Christ. Veronica also actively participates in programming that encourages youth empowerment and healthy self-esteem. Veronica enjoys an active lifestyle playing Volleyball, Basketball, and a variety of other sports.

Business Coordinator

Zach McGinnis

The combination of Zach’s heart for God, love for his family, and creative giftedness has prepared him for a life of service to God. Zach has worked for various companies, honing his creative skills and knowledge of multi-media design. He looks forward to the opportunity to serve Kenyans.

Marketing Director

April Gray

Born and raised in South Carolina where she currently resides in the Upstate region. April “serves” as a Registered Dental Hygienist as her 8-5 profession but operates as a servant of the Lord 24/7. April lives a Christ filled life with intentionality and can always be found pursuing God’s will for her life and the lives of others. Serving others for the Glory of God is what she does with great joy. She is currently serving as a greeter at her local church and looks forward to serving with Hope Markers as Prayer Coordinator. April believes strongly in the power of prayer and fasting on behalf of others. April enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, traveling and cooking healthy recipes.

Prayer Coordinator
Where to find us

Chapel

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