About

Our Vision

“Brace up your minds; be sober. Set your HOPE wholly & unchangeably on the grace that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Live as children of obedience; do not conform yourselves to the desire in your former ignorance. But as the One who called is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct & manner of living.” – 1 Peter 1: 13 – 15

Our Mission

Olivia’s House of Hope’s mission is to provide a biblically focused, Christ-centered ministry of HOPE to women by building a foundation of Spiritual growth towards right living and preserving the fruits for generations to come.

Meet our Director & Founder

Janine Kramer

Born from both her history as an abuse survivor and the love of Christ that has transformed her, Janine is characterized by compassion. She has over 25 years of experience in advocating for men, women, and children in various nonprofit leadership positions. Janine has built many connections and relationships with personnel in local courts, corrections, recovery programs, business leadership, and the community at large, which all come together to provide support for the organization in various ways.

read janine’s story

Meet our Staff

Marie Schurter

My name is Marie and I’m from Kansas. I came to Minnesota to go through Project Turnabout’s Vanguard Gambling inpatient treatment program. When I completed my 30 days, I transitioned to Olivia’s House of Hope. Through Bible study, church and mentors, it became truly clear that I was in this program for a special reason. Everything I went through was preparing me for this unique opportunity. God has given me a desire to encourage, share, and lift up women as they travel their own recovery journeys. It’s amazing how God has worked in my life, and I’m excited to share the blessings I’ve received!

Deb Ziesmer

My name is Deb and I’m originally from California. My husband and I, with our kids, moved back to his hometown – Olivia. I met Janine through jail ministry, where she shared her passion to start Olivia’s House of Hope. I always believed addicts belonged in jail, but I found out that addicts need help to overcome their addictions. I have truly seen what God has put before me in these women through personal conversations with them and through their personal accomplishments. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be working at a faith-based house with women. It has truly been a blessing.

Meet our Board of Directors

David Drager

David is the pastor of United Methodist Church in Hector. He humbly takes time out of his life to teach and answer biblical questions for women residents at House of Hope.

Gail Wenner

Gail’s education and experience is primarily in public education, business administration and health care. She has been a high school teacher, Assistant to the President of a statewide cable company, transcriptionist at Prairie Family Practice Clinic and the Director of Hospice at the RC Hospitals and Clinics.

Annie Tepfer

Annie is the project coordinator for the Renville County Chemical Health Coalition named “RAPAD.”

Terri Tuma

Terri is a former teacher who taught grades 1st – 4th with Title I at BOLD elementary for 37 years before retiring in 2012.

Wendell Veurink

Wendell is a Training/Mentoring Coordinator at Greater Minnesota Family Services.

Gary VanEps

Gary has worked as a counselor/supervisor in all areas of addiction treatment for 28 years. He was the founder and director of the James House Discipleship Program for men recovering from addiction for 13 years. He currently works as a counselor for gambling addiction, and his sober date is December 6, 1994.

Becky Jaenisch

Becky is Olivia’s House of Hope non-profit business accountant.