Dégagé Ministries
Staff Bio
Dégagé Ministries
Staff Members
Thelma Ensink
Why do you work for Dégagé?
I love working at a place where lives are transformed every day. People experiencing homelessness are created in the image of Christ and have incredible gifts. With support, they can once again thrive and share their gifts with their community. I love working at a place where transformation happens every day.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Psalm 118:5 – “When hard pressed I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place.”
This verse has meant so much to me as I faced trauma in my life and I love to share it with others who are facing hardship.
Lacey Conte
Why do you work for Dégagé?
I work for Dégagé because I truly feel that coming to work every day makes a difference in people’s lives. That is very meaningful for me.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Julie Kendrick
Why do you work for Degage?
To help restore dignity, reignite hope, and to be a voice for those seldom heard.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Esther 4:14 – “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.”
Nelson Koon
Why do you work for Degage?
I believe every single human being has immense value and purpose. It is a joy walking alongside people in some of their lowest moments and helping them remember that they’re not defined by their circumstances.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Marissa Lee
Why do you work for Dégagé?
To be in community with others that share common faith as we support each other and work alongside those who seek resources at Dégagé.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
1 Peter 4: 7-11 – “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Stacey O’Keefe
Why do you work for Degage?
I love that I have a job where I can support programs that change lives for the better.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Drew Clay
Why do you work for Degage?
I work at Dégagé because I am passionate about journeying alongside people through life’s diverse opportunities and challenges. I resonate deeply with our organization’s values and find meaning in the mission of building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect to all. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such an intentional community of colleagues and patrons.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Isaiah 58:6-12 6 – “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.”
Michelle Denard
Why do you work for Dégagé?
I love the mission and it gives me joy to do God’s work.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Psalms 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Karl Castel
Why do you work for Degage?
Working for Degage was Gods calling, the ability to do the mission that God send me to do and the ability to uplift each person and let them know everything is going to be okay.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
John 13:7 – “Jesus replied “you don’t understand what I’m doing for you now, later you will”
Bob Kreter
Why do you work for Dégagé?
I truly feel that God called me to Dégagé after spending 30 years in corporate life. It was time to do something that changes lives and to do the Lord’s work.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Aaron Price
Why do you work for Dégagé?
I am blessed to be surrounded each day by some of God’s greatest children. Working for a ministry, I know I can make a difference in their lives.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Ezekiel 25:17 – “I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them.”
Andricus Reed
Why do you work for Degage?
My heart led me here to do this work, my way of paying blessings forward is to be in the service of others.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”