Hope Haven Gospel Mission
Hope Haven Staff
Head Cook - Russ Getchell
Maintenance Supervisor - Jeff Hutchinson
Housekeeping - Margie Simmons
Generalist - Paul Campbell
Hope Haven Leadership
The dedicated team at Hope Haven is committed to serving those in need with care and compassion. We strive to be the hands and feet of Christ, working continually to ensure that the dignity of everyone we encounter is upheld and that their physical and spiritual needs are met.
Pastor Willie Ponds
Executive Director
Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, and nurtured in the Cavalier Manor area of Portsmouth, Pastor Ponds is a dedicated servant of faith, a proud U.S. Army veteran, and a former professional basketball player with a 15-year career in the NBA and FIBA. Alongside his beloved wife of 20 years, Verlene Renee Robinson Ponds, they are blessed with a family of five children. His journey of service includes a significant tenure as Shelter Manager and Chapel Pastor at Union Mission in Norfolk, Virginia, for half a decade. His commitment to ministry continued at Trinity Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Study Hall Coordinator, Bible Teacher, and Chaplain at Signature Medical Center from August 2007 until 2018.
Currently, he serves as Senior Pastor at Webbs Mills Baptist Church, Casco, Maine. Pastor Ponds holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a focus on both the Old and New Testaments, and completed seminary studies in Richmond, Virginia. His pastoral calling was affirmed through his licensing and ordination at Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, under the mentorship of Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, Senior Pastor. Other mentors include Pastor Jon Case of Auburn, Maine.
Ms. Renee Ponds
Office Manager • Communication & Event Director vreneepondshhgm@gmail.com
Hailing from Portsmouth, VA, and raised in Greenville, Ms. She returned to Portsmouth in her teens as a devoted follower of Christ. Ms. Renee has been married to Pastor Willie Ponds for 20 years and is the mother of five children. She attended Tidewater Community College, working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education from 1983-1985. Mrs. Ponds brings her vast experience to community outreach and her years of ministry experience. She is looking forward to working with the Lewiston and Auburn communities.
Anthony Feole
Security Director
Hailing from Harlem, NY, by way of Boston, MA. He has quickly become a vital part of Hope Haven Gospel Mission. Anthony has shown a passion for helping others and living by our motto “Caring Like Christ”. He provides security for our facility, guests, and employees around the clock. Anthony will also assist in other day-to-day operations. Anthony comes from a security background that has assisted us here at Hope Haven Gospel Mission.