About Hope CDA and Our Mission

View Story about Hope CDA on KCRG Report

What Is Hope CDA?

In four words, Hope CDA is “Offering Hope, Building Lives.” Hope CDA serves those who are looking for a second chance and is one of the most unique organizations of its kind in the country. We are not a recovery program, but a Christian Life Transformation Program that helps our men build a personal relationship with Jesus. This leads to the development of character and work skills for successful re-entry into the local community.

Hope CDA believes that developing a relationship with God, based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the basis for a life transformation. This, in turn, leads to a meaningful, healthy, and productive life. In helping men leave their past behind, we transform lives and our community at the same time. Our wholistic 12- to 15-month Christian program breaks the fatherless poverty cycle while helping to revitalize the Cedar Rapids neighborhoods in which we live and work.

As part of the program, men learn construction skills which helps to increase their opportunities for employment upon graduation. These skills are used to help remodel and renovate rundown homes that are then sold to low-income families. They also learn valuable life skills, including budgeting, conflict resolution, and teamwork. The men live in one of our program houses where they reside with 5-7 other men. If you would like to know more about the Life Transformation Program, please click the link.

Our Mission

Our mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love by equipping individuals to transform their lives through gainful employment and skillful living.

Who We Serve

Men looking for a second chance in life.

Our Motto

“Offering hope. Building lives.”

Our Goals

To show Christ’s love.
To see God change lives.
To see men lead successful lives free from addiction.
To provide an environment for God to move.
To enhance employment opportunities through career training.
To transform neighborhoods by refurbishing houses.
To provide housing for low-income families.
To break the fatherless poverty cycle.
To help men to become leaders.
To help men learn how to live successfully, financially, relationally and spiritually.

What Makes Hope CDA Unique

Hope CDA is one of the most unique organizations of its kind in the country. Helping men leave their past behind, we transform lives and our community at the same time. Our wholistic 12-month Christian program breaks the fatherless poverty cycle and contributes to revitalizing Cedar Rapids neighborhoods.

The Goal

Our goal is to impact many lives for eternity, one heart at a time. God has called Hope CDA to minister to those looking for a second chance in life. Our comprehensive program of work, housing, life skills, recovery classes, spiritual training and mentoring creates an environment for God to move, while lowering recidivism rates and helping men move from addiction to a new life. Participants grow in their relationship with Christ, develop life and work skills, improve self-esteem, learn how to work in a team atmosphere, increase employment potential, develop problem-solving skills and healthy work habits.

Our History

Hope CDA originated from the historic 2008 Cedar Rapids flood. Due to an on-going need for housing assistance, the non-profit entity Serve the City created an emergency fund to assist displaced families. In 2010 a new vision was created for a construction jobs training program for those with employment barriers—and Hope CDA was born. Later, the landscaping-snow removal and woodcrafts enterprises were established. Over 60 men have participated in the program with 30 new homes restored or built (as of April 2024).

How We Serve Participants

Participants in the life transformation program receive a myriad of support services: Paid employment (37 hours per week), job training, free daily lunch, life skills training, subsidized and supervised housing, weekly counseling services, access to community-wide resources and basic financial training. In addition, we have established a matching savings program and each participant is assigned a mentor (coach). Other key services: Goal-setting, medication monitoring, drug testing, parole and legal help and clothing-food assistance. At the core of the program, each resident is required to attend a local church and a minimum of two recovery classes each week, along with a daily morning devotional and weekly Bible study. Our entire program is based on Christian principles, the word of God and our core values of truth and love.

Learn More about Joining Our Program

Stability House Program

An extension of our overall vision, the new Stability House Program is designed to assist graduates with affordable housing in a safe environment, while they stay connected to resources, the local church and mentors. The goal is to transition those who have completed our 12-month program into the next chapter of their lives as they find employment, financial independence and a new life1

Staff & Key Volunteers

Executive Staff
Dr. Robert Pannier – Executive Director
Cory Clubb – Enterprise Manager
Joseph Mason – Program Navigator
Ron Ziegler – President
Lavonne Johnson – Counseling Services Coordinator
Mike Johnson – Board Chairman/Coaching Director
Phil Rezin – Executive Team/Board Member

Program Staff
Dr. Robert Pannier – Executive Director
Joseph Mason – Program Navigator
Kaleb Duerre – Program Navigator

Enterprise Staff
Cory Clubb– Enterprise Manager
Trent Tuel – Construction Foreman
Eric Mullinex – Construction Foreman
Joseph Jurgensmeier – Construction Foreman
Joseph Senger – Construction Foremen
Duane Toenges – Enterprise Development
Roger Grandia – Art Director

Office Staff
Judy Griffith – Office Manager
Kathy Garrett – Office Support/Meals Coordinator
Tahsha Jones – Volunteer Coordinator
Jason Grim – Accounting/Payroll Services
Gina Snyder – Office Support

Leadership Board of Directors

Mike Johnson – Retired, President – Timberline Manufacturing, Inc.
Terry Knake – Realtor, Skogman Realty
Travis Kolder – Commercial Relationship Manager, Collins Community Credit Union
Ken Kolek – Partner, ATLAS CPA’s & Advisors
Phil Rezin – Retired, Founder & President Midwest Microwave Solutions, Inc.
Summer Riley – Director, Mister Car Wash
Ron Ziegler – Retired, Transamerica & Forethought Financial Services, Inc.
Trent Tuel – Hope CDA graduate-foreman/owner-TGI Enterprises
Kim Reem – Regional Coordinator, Joni Ernst, US Senator.
Aaron Green – Community Outreach
Amy Doerrfeld – ASAC