Potter’s House

A house that received a new beginning became a strategic setting for men and women to find healing, purpose and a new beginning. This is the unfolding of the story as in 1996 Lloyd and Elaine Hoover acquired a house close to their farmstead that was scheduled to be removed due to the ambulance association’s need to expand their parking lot. After moving the house to its new location on the Hoover property in Leola, it was dedicated for the purpose of transformation of lives. A ministry to men transitioning from prison emerged in 1996 and by 2003 became known as The Potter’s House. The ministry became a setting for many who were leaving local and state prisons but had no family or resources to help them in their new beginning. They would be homeless and likely recidivists without this intervention. Since 1996 over 980 men and 20 women have been served as students in the residential programs and have received help in finding recovery from addiction, mentoring in life skills, reconciliation with family, establishing a strong, positive support group, employment and the opportunity to experience Jesus as their source of hope.

In 2011, Transition to Community, a similar residential ministry to men, merged with The Potter’s House. The ministry expanded to 2 residential settings with beds for 15 men and a long-term residential discipleship House for 6. The strategy for ministry is family oriented with intent to multiply through small group home settings to create learning experiences that can best prepare them for healthy function within the context of family.

In 2016, addiction in our country had reached epidemic levels and was stealing life from many youth and adults. The severity of the epidemic necessitated an even stronger emphasis on recovery while developing skills to care for self and family in the community. It is our intent to see that everyone caught in the trappings of this craze have opportunity to become an overcomer through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We envision each person that experiences the transforming power of Jesus and freedom from their addiction to become a competent leader in our homes, churches and communities as they learn from experience the difference that Jesus makes. This effort has been significantly enhanced by the addition of a Trauma Healing component that helps the student identify generational curses, ungodly beliefs, soul spirit ties and other areas that hinder recovery and spiritual growth.

In 2017 we obtained a parcel of property in Brownstown that was very conducive to an entry phase of the program and embarked on a capital campaign called “Captivity to Destiny”. The property was razed and two of three buildings were constructed with completion in early 2020. This allowed the Men’s program to expand by 7 additional beds and allowed for a separation of entry level men from those who are re-integrating into the community. In addition, the program partnered with a local church to establish a second Discipleship House for Phase 3 men.

In response to frequent requests for a women’s program, we also purchased a house in Leola and created a similar faciality for women. The program opened in June 2020, providing space to serve up to 6 women. We have since celebrated several graduations.

In 2021 we moved forward with a second capital campaign to raise money for the construction of the third building at Still Waters. It was completed and placed into service in 2023. This added 8 beds for students and increased educational and counseling resources.

This year we are experiencing significant changes in leadership as Lloyd Hoover has retired and Robert Schoonover has been hired as the new Executive Director. In addition, Joel Jakubowski resigned as Director of the Men’s program and Rob Weatherholtz and Steve Steel have been assigned to share the leadership. The Potter’s House of Ruth leadership also resigned and we have recently hired Maribel Rivera and Janelle Horst to give leadership there. This will be a year of transition but we are believing for exciting new directions and positive experiences for our students.

Here’s how your gift might help:

• $25 basic curriculum materials for one student
• $60 monthly food budget for one student
• $100 helps maintain internet availability used for education and worship for one house
• $200 covers basic vehicle expenses for one month (fuel, fluids)
• $500 provides a one-month scholarship for a Phase One student with no resources
• $1000 covers utility costs for our five residential settings
• $1,500 fully support one student for one month