SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS WITH KINDNESS AND DIGNITY

Featuring Cherri Houle, Executive Director of House of Neighborly Service

December 2022

“It’s not just the homeless person on the corner… it’s sometimes your neighbor. It could be a job loss, sickness that causes them to have an interruption in their financial situation.” 

Cherri Houle is a dedicated advocate for the vulnerable in her community. As Executive Director of House of Neighborly Service, she lives each day to add value to others. She has served as Executive Director since January of 2022 when the previous Executive Director stepped down. Prior to that she served as the Assistant Director for six and a half years, spent two years in case work, and one and a half years as donor relations. Throughout each of these roles, she has been passionate about the life-changing work of House of Neighborly Service and the people it serves. 

The focus of House of Neighborly Service is serving the needs of vulnerable families although they also serve individuals. It was established in 1961 by the Loveland Council of Churches and in 1990 by the Berthoud Council of Churches with the united vision to serve individuals in the community. HNS works to stabilize and strengthen at risk families, children, youth, seniors, and the disabled who are in situational crises or are experiencing the effects of poverty. They provide a range of services in one location to better serve the vulnerable and partner with others in the community to meet individual needs. 

Cherri’s upbringing impacted her heart for the vulnerable in her community. Her parents always were giving back to the community, working in their church, non-profit outreaches, and serving the vulnerable. As a family, they hosted five foster children during her childhood, providing stability for the vulnerable. Serving those in need was part of who they were as a family which impacted Cherri’s life of service.

Prior to serving with House of Neighborly Service, Cherri Houle served in other capacities with her family, her church, and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. She was a homeschool mom of four children and was with her husband a pastor of a local church for eight years before joining House of Neighborly Service. She was approached by someone who worked at House of Neighborly Service who told her she would be a perfect fit there. She began as a volunteer before her role as a case worker and quickly became passionate about the work of House of Neighborly Service. 

Cherri Houle’s heart is one of service through her work with House of Neighborly Service and her continued efforts as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. She is dedicated to serving her neighbors with kindness and dignity.

PARTNERING WITH THE CHURCH TO LIFT CHILDREN OUT OF POVERTY

Featuring Santiago Mellado, President and Chief Executive Officer, Compassion International

December 2022

Santiago Mellado, President and Chief Executive Officer of Compassion International learned about serving the poor at an early age in his life. He grew up in Latin America with a father who worked as a civil engineer. Once a project was completed, his father and family would move and before he was an adult Santiago Mellado had lived in seven countries, allowing him to gain a unique perspective on the impact a person can make when they serve and help those who are in need. 

In 2013, Santiago Mellado became President and CEO of Compassion International. The perspective and experience he gained as a child growing up in different cultures equipped Santiago Mellado to serve with Compassion International as they work in countries facing crises around the world. When conflict and suffering occurs, children often pay the highest price which is where Compassion International comes in to serve. For instance, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Santiago Mellado requested prayer for children and families caught in the middle of this conflict. 

Compassion International recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Over its 70 years of existence, Compassion has grown to partner with over 8,000 local churches in 27 program countries to provide care to over two million babies, children, and young adults living in poverty. The aim of Compassion International is to release children from poverty through holistic transformation that takes care of children physically, cognitively through education, and the socio-emotional and spiritual side. Compassion recognizes that to fully help the child they also need to be involved with the family of that child as well as the local church that is involved in the child and family’s life. 

Santiago Mellado not only leads an organization dedicated to ending poverty among children around the world, but has personally invested in the future of children with seven sponsored children of his own from around the world. 

Prior to serving with Compassion International, he served for 20 years as president of Willow Creek Association, a ministry based in Chicago that is dedicated to helping local churches thrive. He also was a vital player in the launching and hosting of The Global Leadership Summit, which brings leadership development to churches and organizations annually. During his time with The Global Leadership Summit, the Summit grew to reach over 100 countries and 170,000 individuals. 

Santiago Mellado is a dedicated leader who cares deeply about serving the vulnerable around the world and equipping Compassion International to meet the needs of thousands of children and families.