BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: REV. GEORGE H. FLETCHER, III

What initially drew you to HopeTree’s mission?

My first connection to HopeTree was as a kid playing in a church basketball league. Our games were held in the gym on the Salem campus of what was then the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home. We played against other churches and the Children’s Home had a team too. They always slaughtered us. (I’m pretty sure they had a home-court advantage!)

It was a Virginia Baptist ministry that my home church supported, so I knew who they were. Over the years, the more I learned about what they did, the more I admired and respected their love for the people they served. Later, the churches I pastored also supported HopeTree in different ways. So when my friend Stephen Richardson, the former executive director, invited me to join the Board, it felt like a natural next step in supporting a ministry I had long cared for.

How have you seen HopeTree evolve in response to changing community needs or broader societal shifts?

What’s impressed me most about HopeTree is its ability to evolve while staying true to its mission. When government policy shifted away from group homes toward single-family settings for children, HopeTree didn’t walk away from that work. Instead, they launched Treatment Foster Care and continue to serve kids and, in many ways, strengthen our overall focus on families.

Another major milestone was the start of our Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) in 1992, which has grown into our largest area of service. And even within that, HopeTree has adapted over time to offer Sponsored Residential, Community Engagement, Respite Care and more.

At one time, our campus was home to more than 300 children. Today, it's licensed for 16. but we’re reaching even more people than ever through programs designed for the world we live in now. That commitment to growth and quality has never wavered.

HopeTree is preparing for a major campus transformation. What excites you most about this next chapter?

A lot! This transformation brings all of our services and offices under one roof, which will make a huge difference for clients and staff. It will create a stronger learning environment for students at HopeTree Academy. We’re not tearing down our history; instead, we’re repurposing it and that really resonates with me.

This project positions us for the future. We’ve strengthened our infrastructure, and now we’re ready to build something that serves both our mission and the greater Salem community. There will be walking trails, gathering spaces and even a museum to celebrate our legacy.It’s also an opportunity for people who believe in this work to show their support. I truly think it’s one of the most exciting times to be part of HopeTree.

What have you learned personally from your time serving on the board?

I haven’t stopped learning since day one. I’m constantly amazed by how much Jon Morris knows about HopeTree, and how clearly he communicates that knowledge. This is a complex organization with a lot of moving parts, and the more I prepare for meetings and attend committee work, the more I appreciate the depth of what we do. I’ve often said: You have to be sold on HopeTree, and the more you learn, the more sold you are.

Is there a message you'd like to share with donors, supporters, or the broader HopeTree community as you conclude your term?

I’ve had so many meaningful experiences, but one from the DDM program stays with me. My wife Peggy and I visited one of the group homes during an open house in Farmville. It’s a men’s home, and the residents were so excited for guests. One young man gave me a tour of his room. He proudly showed me his dresser, pictures of his family, and mementos from events that the caregivers and community had made possible. Later, I spoke with his mom. She told me that during a recent visit home, she came downstairs one morning and saw her son’s suitcase packed and waiting by the door. She asked, “Where are you going?” and he said, “Oh, I’ve got to get home. We’ve got some things to do today.”She told me it made her a little sad, but also incredibly grateful, because her son felt truly at home at HopeTree. That’s what HopeTree is. It’s home to so many special people and has been for over 130 years. I’m proud to have played a small part in that.

HopeTree Family Services' Board of Trustees

Dr. Kim Baskette, Professor & Program Director, Roanoke

Dr. Herbert O. Browning, Retired Pastor, Midlothian

Dr. William J. Bryan, Pastor, Abingdon

Ronald J. Clark, Project Manager/Consultant, Hampton

Stephanie P. Cook, Attorney, Roanoke

Charles Clement Wealth Management, Richmond

William J. DeWorken, Business Owner, Chesterfield

Michael Dean Elmore, Social Services Director, Roanoke

Rev. George H. Fletcher, III, Retired Pastor Zion, Crossroads

Sydney Gustafson, Attorney, Chesterfield

Derek T. Hicks, Commercial Real Estate, Roanoke

Dr. Melissa A. Jackson, Adjunct Professor, Richmond

L. Richard Martin, Retired Social Services Director, Chesterfield

Morgan M. Meador, Attorney, Richmond

John G. Mizell, Jr., Attorney, Richmond

Trinette Randolph, Program Manager, Richmond

Laura Riha, Educational Support Specialist, Roanoke

Diane Romanello, Special Education, Richmond

Patrick N. Shaffner, Retired Business Owner, Roanoke

Carla Shepherd, Financial Professional, Roanoke

Dr. Patrick Wood Pastor Smithfield

Richard Wright, Retired CEO, Richmond

Lucianne Warre,n Human Service,s Charlotte County

Kim Turner, MNA, Retired Development Professional, Roanoke