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Redeemed Hearts & Transformed lives
 

Foot Tracks on Sand

Our Story

Redeeming Hearts Ministries is a faith based organization with a heart to serve a forgotten population- the returning citizen. Those who return to their communities from incarceration face many challenges as they navigate their journey from imprisonment to freedom. Many will return to the jails or prisons from which they are released due to various factors. 

In a 2022 PA Department of Corrections report- 64.7% of individuals recidivate within the first 3 years of release and 40% recidivate within the 1st year. We believe this can be changed by meeting the spiritual and physical needs of these individuals. This is the why behind our mission and vision.

We aim to bridge the gap between need and resource while walking alongside the returning citizen. Additionally we strive to provide supportive services to the families, communities, churches and like-minded organizations who desire to aid returning citizens in reacclimating to life beyond bars and becoming productive members of society.

meet the board

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Crystal hippo

Founder & President

Crystal Hippo serves the ministry as our president, and secretary. She established Redeeming Hearts with a deep commitment to supporting returning and high-risk citizens in their journeys toward healthy and productive lives. Crystal’s conviction is that redeemed hearts lead to transformed lives, a belief that shapes her leadership and the direction of the organization.

With two decades of both professional and personal experience, Crystal brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her role. Her own life journey, overcoming addiction and successfully reintegrating into society, gives her a comprehensive and personal understanding of the complex challenges faced by those seeking purposeful and victorious living. She also volunteers as a mentor with an organization that is dedicated to mentoring women in a local correctional facility. Furthermore, as a Certified Peer Specialist, she is equipped to provide support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Her experience enables her to guide returning and high-risk citizens with authenticity, compassion, and practical wisdom.

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Susan comly

Treasurer

Susan Comly is a valued and essential member of the board, serving as treasurer. Raised in a Christian home and coming to saving faith at a young age, Susan contributes professionalism and dedication to the organization. With more than twenty years of experience in IT, accounting, and data quality, she is exceptionally qualified for her role as treasurer. Her faithfulness and heart for service distinguish her, providing an example for both the board and those with whom she interacts.

Her steadfast faith and consistent character enable her to support the board and Redeeming Hearts not only as treasurer but also as an advisor, strengthening the organization’s foundation.

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kim players

Board Member

As a dedicated and faithful board member, Kim brings both passion and expertise to her role. Her leadership is driven by a commitment to empowering others and fostering positive change within the organization. As a successful entrepreneur and business owner she understands what it takes to build from ground up. She contributes both professionalism and leadership to the board. Having overcome her own past struggles with addiction she is well equipped to provide valuable insight and counsel to Redeeming Hearts and the board as to how best serve those who are overcoming addiction.

Kim has spoken publicly at various women’s events and venues such as Columbia university, sharing her lived experience which helps to encourage others to walk in victory by overcoming life’s obstacles. Her contribution to the board is an asset to the organization.

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kim hippo

Board Member

Kim Hippo is a dedicated and faithful member of the board, contributing thirty years of combined personal and professional experience to the ministry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical counseling, which allows her to offer valuable insight and guidance to returning and high-risk citizens.

Kim’s personal story mirrors the ministry’s mission; having overcome addiction and successfully reintegrated into the community, she possesses a profound understanding of what it takes to pursue a purposeful and victorious life. Her background equips her to support others with empathy and expertise, helping them navigate the challenges of renewal and transformation.

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john tessier

Board Member

John Tessier is a faithful board member, bringing leadership experience from his roles as deacon and Sunday school teacher. His dedication is evident in his commitment to helping others. John has direct experience with the challenges families face when their children are affected by addiction. Through supporting his own children and drawing strength from his faith and church community, he is well prepared to assist individuals and families impacted by addiction.

John draws on his faith and ministry experience to advise the board and Redeeming Hearts in supporting returning and high-risk citizens.

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