Dear Street Hope TN Friends & Family,

For me, the close of every year feels like an invitation to look back on the moments – both monumental and mundane – that God used to shape me, my family, my community and Street Hope.

I can trace how every decision – both personally and professionally – was first met with specific, genuine prayers for wisdom and discernment. Many of you partnered with us in those prayers.

No move was or is made without a move of God. 

After months of prayer, we’ve made the decision, as a family, that this season requires more of me at home. And that’s something I’m beyond willing to give in these precious early years with my kids. Believe me when I say, nothing about this decision was easy to navigate, simply because of my love for the mission and work of Street Hope TN. But God asks for our obedience more than our opinion.

In partnership with our Board of Directors, we’ve decided December 31 will be my last official day as Street Hope TN’s Executive Director.

The growth and momentum Street Hope has experienced is because of a faithful God who has given us an incredible team and Board that are as passionate as ever to carry on the work in 2023. 

Our current board chair Emily Scheuneman, who has served with us since 2017, will lead through this transition, partnering with Darla Sparks (Senior Director of Operations) and Amy McAmis (Senior Director of Strategy).

We’ll officially launch a search for a new Executive Director in the new year. The team will keep you fully updated on the process as we pursue all we know God has for us and the children we get to serve.

Very little will change, because God has equipped Street Hope with such a gifted and talented team, but I have to take a moment to genuinely thank you for the support you’ve shown over the years. It’s what made me excited to come into work each day.

Because of your support and the Lord’s provision, we have worked together, to bring the Light to the darkest corners, to raise a voice for the voiceless and to lift a banner of Hope for the brokenhearted until they are able to hope for themselves. We know God does not put band aids on brokenness. He makes beauty from ashes (Is 61:1-3).

We look back with gratitude for all God has allowed us to be a part of, and we look forward with anticipation because we know the work our God has started is nowhere near completion.

We can’t wait to see what He does next.

With gratitude,

Devin A. Payne