About Gate of Hope

Inspiring hope.
Transforming lives.

Since 1995, we've walked with East African families as they build the life they came for, known and supported every step of the way. A new city here in Kentucky or a village in Rwanda, the work is the same. We meet people where they are, and we stay.

See how we help
In her own words

A story of hope

How we began

Our story

Gate of Hope began as a response to conflict in East Africa. Families needed a place to pray together, to find healing, and to encourage one another, so that is where we started. As people worked to rebuild, the need grew, and we added education and economic programs to meet it.

In 2003, founders Rev. Jean de Dieu Nzeyimana and Dr. Pauline Mukeshimana moved to Kentucky, where East African families were resettling in Louisville. The founders were asked to interpret, to help resolve family crises, and to teach new skills. As the need grew, so did the ministry.

Our Mission

Through Christ, Gate of Hope encourages, empowers, and educates East African families for a better future.

Our Vision

Through Christ, families are transformed and their communities developed.

How we help

Encourage. Empower. Educate.

Encourage

Everyone needs encouragement to move through life, and we believe mental health and wellness come first. Without them, no community can grow. Through counseling and a steady, caring presence, we walk with families along the path toward healing.

Empower

Families thrive when they have the right tools in hand. We equip people with practical skills for work, for daily life, and for stability, so they can live full lives: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Educate

Education unlocks what is already in our community. From language to job readiness to citizenship, learning is the foundation of independence and the surest path to a self-sufficient future.

What guides us

Our core values

Unconditional Love

We affirm that our greatest witness is seen through our love in action. We are committed to loving unconditionally through Christ.

Authentic & Mutually Transformative Relationships

We cultivate authentic, lasting, mutually transformative cross-cultural relationships of trust that help new neighbors thrive. Relationships of trust are at the heart of what we do.

Partnerships

We serve with a diverse network of churches and community partners to extend our reach and deepen our impact. Partnership is critical to our mission.

Stewardship

We are faithful, responsible stewards of everything God has entrusted to us through our donors and supporters. We are accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Responsiveness

We respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve in Louisville and Rwanda, adopting programs that address what matters most and revisiting our approach as needs evolve.

The people behind the work

Our team & board

This work happens together. Our staff, board, and partners walk side by side with the families we serve, sharing the love of Christ in practical, everyday ways.

Our Team

Rev. Jean De Dieu Nzeyimana  •  Dr. Pauline Mukeshimana  •  Esperance Ibuka  •  Danielle Mpalirwa  •  Christian Ndazigaruye  •  Grace Ishimwe  •  Jeremie Munyabarame

Board of Directors

Jennifer Baumer  •  Tamra Brown  •  Jeff Chandler  •  Jennifer DeVries  •  Cristi Fowle  •  Mark Larson  •  John Maassen (Chair)  •  Rev. Jean De Dieu Nzeyimana (Executive Director)  •  Kathy Siegfriedt-Wilson

You can reach any of our team through our contact form.

Founded in 1995  ·  ECFA accredited  ·  Registered 501(c)(3)

Gate of Hope Connects

Come find out what this is really about.

Once a month we get together online to talk about the work and the people behind it. You'll hear stories firsthand, meet others who care, and find real ways to pitch in, whether through volunteering, a church partnership, or simply showing up. Come as you are. There's room for everyone.

Second Thursday of every month, 12:00 noon

Google Meet ID: tip-tecq-bih

Learn more
Gate of Hope Connects: join the conversation online, the second Thursday of every month at noon.