In 2005, a small team was mobilized to travel to Mississippi and Alabama to provide relief to the people affected by hurricane Katrina. While there, the team partnered with Thirst No More to provide clean drinking water to thousands of victims and participated in projects involving clean up and construction. As a result of that trip, HRS TrueHope, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, was formed by three couples to provide ongoing support and relief to victims of similar disasters. The first large scale GO (Global Outreach) trip was organized in 2007 in which several families and individuals from a local church traveled to Mississippi to continue disaster relief efforts focused on rebuilding the community. Later that same year, it became apparent to the founders that the focus of TrueHope would center around serving those in impoverished areas of Mexico. Several churches as well as an orphanage that cares for special needs children needed support and TrueHope eagerly stepped up to the challenge. Since that time, more than 24 GO trips to Mexico have been organized that provide food, provisions and even Christmas gifts to the residents of Piedras Negras and surrounding areas. In addition, participants have distributed 1000’s of baskets of food through the Great Tamale Project, cooked numerous meals, built churches, orphanages, schools, food banks, and a clothing and supply distribution center for the people of Mexico. Hundreds of families and individuals have gone to serve from many different churches in central Texas and beyond.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Joel and Jackie Holcomb have been dedicated leaders of True Hope with gifts in the areas of finance and relationship building. They have run their own Advocare business for the past decade teaching and equipping others to be successful in the health and wellness industry. Joel and Jackie have 2 beautiful children and are active members in their church community.
Mark and Eileen Rehmann are parents of 5 and grandparents of 7 and have been believers for over 25 years. Mark is a business leader and engineer in the technology sector. He has served in many ministry leadership roles including small group, mission trip, and church elder roles. Eileen has a passion for children and has been a pre-school teacher, elementary mentor, children’s ministry director, has filled many mission roles, and also serves with Austin Disaster Relief Network.
David and Melissa Shiramizu have been active members of their local church for the past 12 years. David is serving his seconds term as an elder and teaches junior high. Melissa serves on the worship team and in special needs ministry. David and Melissa have 3 beautiful children, the youngest of whom is adopted. They are passionate about orphan care and have supported several families who are in the process of adopting. David is a math and engineering instructor and Melissa is an occupational therapist.