About Us

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dennis first arrived at Hope for Freedom 25 years ago as a newly recovered addict looking for a way to volunteer and help others. Like many before him, Dennis discovered that serving others strengthened his own recovery and enriched his life. Applying his education in psychology and his past business management experience, Dennis advanced from a volunteer house monitor to Administrator, and in 2018 into his current role as Executive Director. He leads with a deep personal and professional conviction that addiction recovery saves lives and rebuilds families.

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES

Mark found his way to Hope for Freedom Society in 2011. He first walked through the doors as a man struggling with his own addiction. Today, as a graduate of our recovery program with more than a decade of sobriety under his belt, Mark leads our Client Care team. Using his own lived experience to connect with those who are struggling, Mark has found his calling in serving others as they find their path out of addiction.

EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR

Andrea, a Tri-Cities resident for all her life, first got involved in Hope for Freedom as a volunteer in the shelter program in 2007. At the time there were no shelters available in the Tri-Cities, and she was called to serve her neighbours with compassion by providing a safe, dry place to sleep. Since then, Andrea has held a number of positions at Hope for Freedom and other local service providers, working closely with community partners and developing her skills and knowledge through networking and team collaboration.

WOMEN’S PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Denise has been a member of the Hope for Freedom community for 18 years. After graduating from our program in 2004, Denise went back to school to upgrade her education in social services at Douglas College. She then returned to Glory House as a counsellor and ultimately as the director from 2008 to 2016. We’re thrilled to have her back directing our women’s program and encouraging residents in her role as sponsor, counsellor and leader. Learn more about Glory House.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

As a former nurse and health care administrator, Jessica brings a wealth of experience to the Hope for Freedom program team. She first encountered Hope for Freedom when a family member used our services, and she was impressed at the dedication of the staff and the effectiveness of the program. When she got into addiction counselling herself, she knew this was the community she wanted to be a part of.

INDIGENOUS LIAISON

Ritchie is a graduate of Hope for Freedom's Recovery program. He knows from personal experience that recovery is life-changing. Today, as a staff member at HFFS and a member of the Selkirk First Nations in the Yukon Territory, he works as our team's Indigenous Liaison, building connections and relationships between our community and Indigenous groups and organizations.

FINANCE OFFICER

After completing Hope for Freedom’s recovery program in 2016, Andrew Cwiok applied his love for numbers and order to our books. He’s been an integral member of the team ever since! With a diploma in Accounting from Douglas College and years of bookkeeping and tax preparation experience, Andrew supports Dennis and the board on the business side of our operations.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, FIRST STAGE RECOVERY

Jordan feels lucky to be alive after years of using dangerous street drugs. Today, he works to help others find the freedom from addiction that he has found at Hope for Freedom. As our Associate Director of First Stage Recovery, Jordan works closely with Mark to work with men at Hope for Freedom Lodge in Maple Ridge. Outside of work, Jordan loves to golf with his family and HFFS colleagues.

FACILITIES MANAGER

Jake has called Port Coquitlam home for the past nine years. As our Facilities Manager he cares for all our recovery homes and vehicles, making sure that our spaces are welcoming and safe. As a graduate of our program, Jake knows the life-changing impact of addiction recovery. Today he feels at home in the Hope for Freedom community and appreciates the chance to give back.

WOMEN’S INTAKE COORDINATOR

Celina brings her past experience in customer service, and her own personal journey with addiction and recovery, to her work at HFFS. As an Intake Coordinator at Glory House, our recovery home for women, Celina welcomes and supports new residents. She wants to pass on what has worked for her so other addicts can also feel the freedom that comes from staying clean.