SALEM, Va. (October 26, 2022) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in life enrichment and mental health services, has successfully completed the $25,000 matching gift challenge set earlier this year by the Charles B. Keesee Foundation. In total, $68,075.76 of funding was secured for the updates and renovations to HopeTree’s on campus chapel, Keesee Chapel, located on their Salem campus.

Renovations to the chapel included upgrades to equipment, new worship decor, enhancements for scalable spaces, and more. The goal for the project was to enhance spiritual and educational experiences for all that enter the chapel’s doors. Whether it is a HopeTree resident being able to pray without interruption, or a youth group utilizing the audio/visual upgrades for their services, guests should feel welcome and empowered in this modernized space.

The matching gift challenge was met as a result of generous contributions from more than 80 donors and individuals. Lisa Clause, HopeTree Chief Advancement Officer, states, “We are happy to exceed our goals to renovate the Keesee Chapel. We had many individuals and churches support this project including the generous support of Elevation Church and the Keesee Foundation. The Keesee Matching Challenge really put us over the top. Now we have a beautiful chapel to share with the community.”

Since opening in 1956, Keesee Chapel has been a staple on HopeTree’s campus. Through the years, the building has seen approximately 1,000 professions of faith and thousands of children experiencing their first exposure to Christ. Today, Keesee Chapel has expanded its use to become a place for worship, reflection, understanding, and celebration.

To continue support of HopeTree, visit www.hopetreefs.org/support.

SALEM, Va. (October 19, 2022) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in life enrichment and mental health services, has appointed Lisa Lambrecht as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, she will oversee HopeTree’s statewide financial operations, business office, and information technology.

Lambrecht brings a wealth of knowledge in finance and accounting to the team, including 20 years of senior leadership experience leading projects for different types of corporate clients of varying sizes during her tenure. “We could not be more pleased that Lisa chose HopeTree,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “Her skills, education and experience are impeccable.  But her leadership and commitment to our core values truly makes her perfect for HopeTree.”

“The opportunity with HopeTree was a marriage of passion, purpose and values for me,” explains Lambrecht. “I have always felt my purpose in life was to serve the community while using my talents to help improve the lives of others. A philosophy of people helping people and being good stewards with the gifts entrusted to us is what drew me to the credit union industry. I found these same ideals, and so much more, in HopeTree’s core values of Ministry, People, Stewardship, Excellence and Accountability.”

Lambrecht is a graduate of Old Dominion University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and an M.B.A. with an Accounting Specialization from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University. Lambrecht comes to HopeTree with 23 years of accounting and executive leadership experience in the credit union industry with her most recent role being Executive Vice President of ValleyStar Credit Union.

Originally, from Chesapeake, Virginia, Lambrecht spent 13 years in Richmond before settling in Franklin County in 2019. In her free time, Lambrecht enjoys camping, hiking, riding ATVs, kayaking, and spending time with her husband, two children, and friends.