Rev. David and Polly Johnson Memorial Peace and Justice Award

For nearly a decade, Kristi was more than a member of the Supporting Hope Board—she was part of its heart and foundation. Her steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication were instrumental in shaping the organization, bringing it to where it stands today. Without her tireless contributions, Supporting Hope would not have achieved its mission with the same grace and strength.

Kristi’s journey with House of Hope began in May 2017, when she visited Palestine with The Global Immersion Project. It was during this trip that she first connected with the House of Hope team and met some of the women and children the organization serves. Deeply moved by the mission and the people she encountered, Kristi felt compelled to stay involved. After returning from her trip, she was introduced to Rev. David and Polly Johnson, and she soon joined the Board of Directors, assuming the role of Treasurer.

Kristi’s contributions were indispensable from the start. As Finance Director, she built and sustained the organization’s financial foundation, managing all aspects of bookkeeping and donor relations. Every year, hundreds of donors received heartfelt thank you letters and donation receipts, all thoughtfully prepared by Kristi.

In addition to her financial responsibilities, Kristi also served as the Compliance Director, ensuring House of Hope met its tax obligations and maintained non-profit regulatory compliance. Her diligence in these tasks helped ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Beyond these roles, Kristi’s heart for service and peace was also evident through her coordination of the Palestine Beats program. This initiative gave young Palestinians living under Occupation the chance to express themselves and their experiences with trauma through music production and empowered communication. Through her work with this program, Kristi helped amplify the voices of these youth, providing them with tools for creative expression and healing.

Kristi’s presence was a constant at every Board meeting, where she embodied reliability, consistency, and service. Her positive attitude, cheerful spirit, and humble nature inspired everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her. She wasn’t just a leader—she was a friend, a light, and a source of joy to everyone she encountered.

Her deep gratitude for her dear friends Manar and Milad, and for the Vision community, fueled her dedication. She felt honored to support their mission for peace and to carry their vision into a future filled with hope.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Kristi was named the first recipient of the Rev. David and Polly Johnson Memorial Peace and Justice Award, a fitting tribute to her unwavering commitment to peace and justice, and her profound impact on the organization and its mission.

Kristi’s legacy of service, kindness, and quiet strength will continue to inspire us for years to come. We are deeply grateful for all that she has given to Supporting Hope and House of Hope. Her spirit will live on in the work we do and the lives she touched.