Joselyn Griggs Shelter Manager, R. Anthony Reole Security Director, V. Renee Robinson Ponds Communication & Events Director, Troy Anderson Head Cook, Sarah Grumprecht Guest Relations, Jeffrey Hutchinson Maintenance Supervisor, Chianne Griggs Receptionist, Michelle Guest Volunteer, Marjorie Guest Volunteer, Dale Guest Volunteer, Joel Guest Volunteer.

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 while working constantly to ensure that the dignity of everyone we encounter is maintained and that physical and spiritual needs are met.

Pastor Willie Ponds

Executive Director • pastorwilliepondshhgm@gmail.com

Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, and nurtured in the Cavalier Manor area of Portsmouth, Pastor Ponds is a dedicated servant of faith, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and a former professional basketball athlete with a 15-year tenure in the NBA and FIBA leagues. Alongside his beloved wife, Verlene 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.

Presently, he is the Assistant Pastor and Outreach Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine, serving under the guidance of Senior Pastor Jon Case. Pastor Ponds is well-equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies, focusing on both the Old and New Testaments, from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia; and finishing his studies with seminary school 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

Joselyn Griggs

Shelter Manager • joselyngriggshhgm@gmail.com

Hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, and nurtured in the community of Springfield, Massachusetts, Joselyn is a testament to faith and family. A devoted follower of Christ, she has shared a loving partnership with her husband, Bruce Griggs, for a quarter of a century and is the proud mother of five. Her proficiency shines in her command of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management, Joselyn’s leadership has spanned a diverse array of roles. At Hope Haven Gospel Mission, she has skillfully overseen operations in Security, Food Service, and Donations, meticulously managed financial records, and ensured the integrity of all monetary transactions. In addition to her financial acumen, she diligently administers the payroll and oversees all procurement for the mission, ensuring the organization’s needs are met with precision and care.

Security Director • anthonyfeolehhgm@gmail.com

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 keeping with 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.

V. Renee Robinson Ponds

Communication & Event Director • reneepondshhgm@gmail.com

Hailing from Portsmouth, Va and raised in Greenville, Ms. She returned to Portsmouth in her teens, a devoted follower of Christ. Has been married to Pastor Willie Ponds for 17 years and is mother of 5. 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.