The Charitable Board of New Horizons Ministries is responsible for agency governance and vision casting. We are fortunate to have individuals whose hearts are filled with love and compassion. Opportunities to go beyond their written commitment are vast. Board members serve in a number of direct service and administrative projects that exceed board requirements.

Sam Lai
Real Estate Professional/Artist

My first introduction to New Horizons was in the fall of 1999 when my wife and I performed at the Dessert Extravaganza. We were recent graduates of the University of Washington and our hearts were heavy every time we visited the Ave and saw all of the homeless and disenfranchised youth. At the dessert, we were so encouraged to learn that, in one way or another, there were hundreds of people loving and serving these kids in the way of Jesus. We became donors that night and later became self-care volunteers. Over the last 7 years of volunteer staff membership, I was also a part of the first Ministry of Reconciliation Committee. My wife and I have taken an intermission from direct service since our son was born, but I am excited and honored to continue journeying with New Horizons as a member of the board.

Deryl Davis-Bell
Youth Pastor

Board Anniversary: March 2001

I tend to view youth as “with promise” rather than “with problems.” Youth are faced with several obstacles as they seek to form their sense of identity and individuality. They need a place where they can establish a sense of community among caring adults who accept them where they are and encourage them to develop their strengths and abilities. New Horizons is one of these places, but we are always striving to do more. As a Board member I want to see that the youth remain our first priority. I want to know they are learning what their assets are, and how to use those assets to overcome their obstacles.

Susan Jouflas

Board Anniversary: March 2008

I joined the Board of New Horizons Ministries only this past spring, but I have been committed to serving and praying for homeless youth since the early 1980’s. I volunteered at NHM from 1982-84 working as an outreach volunteer, and later served as core staff for several years while pursuing my Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Washington.

It is a blessing to bring the gifts of prayer and healing to NHM. I love the fact that this ministry is committed to bringing the real and loving presence of Christ to homeless kids who are suffering. My passion is to serve the lost and disenfranchised in our society. My energies are directed towards serving this population as well as the international community through medical and provisional food programs. The spare time I have away from my current position as a Physician’s Assistant is typically spent working at overseas clinics in troubled areas. My three boys and I attend Sacred Heart Parish in Enumclaw.

Dave Hill
Commercial Mortgage Banker

Board Anniversary: March 2001

I have worked directly with youth for many years in several different areas and I believe that I have a good understanding of problems that youth face. The intensity of these issues are multiplied by the unique background of the youth NHM serves. As a board member I know my level of contact with these kids will be limited. That does not hinder my desire to contribute to the growth, planning, and implementation of programs that will bring greater continuity to the continuum of care we want to offer these kids.

David Jennings

Board Anniversary: November 2002

As a Board Member during the early years of New Horizons Ministries and then rejoining the Board in 2002, I have seen NHM grow in size and professionalism, but has done so without losing focus or straying from the mission. New Horizons is truly a place of Christ’s love, not only for the youth, but among the staff and volunteers as well. The commitment of the people at NHM is truly inspirational. I see what we do at NHM as walking humbly in God’s love, speaking to the face of Christ in each youth, and calling them to what he has created them to be. We do that by loving them just as they are, where they are, and making that love tangible. When we do this, the youth we serve are blessed, and we are blessed in return. New Horizons Ministries is very good at what it does, and I am honored to be a part of it.

Pam Longston
To Be Updated Soon

Dick Myers
Businessman

Board Anniversary: May 1996

I have compassion for kids. I want to see them succeed, or at least have choices and possibilities for their future. There are many opportunities the youth NHM serves do not have access to. As a businessman I have seen and participated in leadership and professional development programs for youth. At NHM I am privileged to tap into these resources and participate in the development of programs tailored for youth who would otherwise not know their own potential.

Roger Winter
Business owner

Board Anniversary: January 1994

Kids deserve a break. I certainly had breaks; loving parents, support and encouragement, a safe home, etc. All the things I needed and didn’t have to think twice about. Kids who end up on the streets are dealing with different kinds of breaks; broken trust, broken relationships and hearts. Volunteering with New Horizons gives me an opportunity to share the love that God has given me. These kids have resolve; they are resourceful, intelligent, and they really do care about their future. I love these kids; I’m at NHM to make sure they know someone else cares about their future and will help them get some of the breaks I got when I was a kid.

Bob Wyman – Board President
Airline pilot - retired

Board Anniversary: May 1999

My heart breaks for the kids on the streets. I hate the reality of their situation and want to do what I can to help them find a better life. In the midst of that process, I want to know that they are being given the tools to discover the love God has for them. I know New Horizons does this. As a member of the board I can ask and participate in answering critical questions that will serve to sustain this ministry. Among other things, we are currently asking questions that address corporate giving and sponsorships; the establishment of an endowment fund; expansion of ministry services; and making sure we are encouraging the dreams and supporting the needs of the NHM staff.

Rita Nussli
New Horizons Ministries Executive Director

NHM Anniversary: January 1987

In 1987 I was invited to apply for the Executive Director position at New Horizons Ministries. It was a decision I wrestled with. Within a few weeks it became clear that this invitation was by Gods hand. Over the years God has developed a desire in me for listening, not only to youth, but also to volunteers, board members, supporters, and staff. Through their prayers, dreams, and ideas I discover God’s vision for this ministry and ultimately to the youth I hold so dear.

It is continually affirmed that our first priority is to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength. Our second priority is to love our neighbor as ourselves. The street kids are our neighbors. We serve by being on the streets, respecting them enough to ask them to educate us in what it is like to be homeless. We serve by providing tangible resources like food, clothes, showers, and an opportunity to be in a safe place. We serve by being in long term relationships that offer God’s love in an open manner, not forcing it on them but always ready to share it. I continue to serve the youth by listening for the heart of God in all those who share in this ministry, and by having a vision that always seems a bit too big.

Derrick Wheeler-Smith