OUR MISSION
Providing women survivors of severe sexual abuse and sex trafficking a safe place to heal and recover from the destructive patterns of abuse.
The House of Promise is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides survivors of severe sexual abuse and sex trafficking unconditional love, acceptance, and a place to heal. Our goal is to disrupt the destructive patterns of slavery through education and care for the survivors. We do this through training, counseling, and helping the young girls/women relearn basic skills so that they can rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Human trafficking is a major issue in the world, with not enough being done to fight it or help its victims. With statistics at 1 in 3 women being sexually abused in their lifetime, the work that we do is incredibly important.
The women we help are survivors who have endured cruelty like none other. We ask that you take the time to explore the site and learn more about the organization and how you can help.
LEADERSHIP
Shari Montgomery
FOUNDER
Shari worked in her family business, Pollack Glass Co., for the first 40 years of her career. She started at 16 years old in customer service and eventually became the owner and CEO in 1998. Despite purchasing a struggling company and the 2007 recession, Shari made the company a great success, serving the greater Lansing area with quality. One of Shari’s passions has always been to give back to the community that gave so much to her.
In 2013, Shari began the journey to open The House of Promise, a live-in home that supports the restoration of women who have been severely sexually abused and/or sex trafficked. Since that time, she has been invited to speak on the issue of human trafficking at high school assemblies, colleges, churches, law enforcement trainings, and community organizations. Her focus has been to raise awareness for prevention and recognition of the abused and trafficked, as well as provide resources, including The House of Promise, that are available to help girls and women who are being or have been abused/trafficked. Shari has also served on the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission from 2019 – 2021 to discuss and develop strategies to overcome the growing problem of human trafficking.
Taking that vision to the next level, Shari started Bloom Shoppe on the heels of a pandemic and small business crisis in Michigan. Bloom is a for-profit company that employs The House of Promise residents to provide them with a safe place to work that fits into their recovery schedule. Offering all-natural soaps, candles, and lotions that are made by The House of Promise residents, Bloom’s proceeds will go toward the continued funding of residents’ restoration.
While much has been accomplished since 2013, Shari still has plans to build 3 more homes to continue to help restore women’s lives. She is breaking ground for the second home Spring of 2024.
BOARD MEMBERS
Al Norris
INTERIM PRESIDENT
Al is passionate about helping the victims of Human Trafficking. He spent 26 years in law enforcement, specifically as a part of the Organized Crime Unit, and he later retired from the Michigan State Police.
Currently, Al is the Owner/Senior Investigator with PROVIDENCE-Specialized Investigative Solutions, which is licensed in Michigan and Ohio with a total of 41 years of experience. He maintains and practices in his certifications in numerous areas of investigation and is qualified as Human Trafficking Investigator.
Bonnie Jean Szostkowski
TREASURER
Bonnie is the Vice President to the Elders Council and Administrator at Word of Life in Grand Ledge. An ordained minister, she has led several prayer ministries over the past twelve years, including her recent position over the Prayer Team for The House of Promise. Bonnie has a passion for Holy Spirit infused prayer, and a heart for Shari and the women whose lives are being transformed. She believes her position on the Board is to intercede for wisdom, protection and direction.
Dawn Perry
SECRETARY
Dawn is an Account Executive for Impact Solutions and has enjoyed assisting clients with their print and promotional product management for 39 years. She has a passion for non-profits and helping others. Dawn started and successfully coordinated the Lansing Team Hope Walk/Run for Huntington’s Disease Society of America for 10 years. She was a Rotarian with the Lansing DeWitt Sunrise Rotary Club for 14 years where she served as president for one term, and a board member with focus on service and fundraising projects. Dawn has supported Shari and the House of Promise for years. She is honored to be on the Board and looks forward to continuing her support in helping victims heal and rebuild their lives.
Carla Cantu
BOARD MEMBER
Carla is an entrepreneur and CEO of Qubic Media Group, a marketing agency in the Lansing area. Carla’s background and expertise go beyond business, she has been involved in supporting non-profits both on a national and international level for many years. When Carla met Shari and learned about the vision to help victims of sex-trafficking she gladly volunteered to serve. Her passion to see these women rebuild their lives runs deep and it fuels her involvement.
Lt. Colonel Chris Kelenske
BOARD MEMBER
Lt. Colonel Chris Kelenske is the commander of the Field Support Bureau and Deputy Director in the Michigan State Police. He is responsible for strategic leadership for the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, and Intelligence Operations Division which includes the State of Michigan Fusion Center, Forensic Science Division, Biometrics and Identification Division, Information Technology Division, Criminal Justice Information Center, Office of Highway Safety Planning, Grants and Community Services Division, and 911 Administration Section.
LTC Kelenske has held the position of Michigan’s Deputy Homeland Security Advisor since 2013 and served as the chair of the National Governor’s Association - Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC), National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) FEMA Region V Vice President, chair of the NEMA Homeland Security Committee, and Tri-Chair of the National Homeland Security Consortium. He currently is the chair of Michigan’s School Safety Commission, Governor appointee to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission, executive board member of the GHSAC, as well as a member/chair of other state level boards and commissions.
He led the state of Michigan through numerous presidential and governor-declared disasters/emergencies and several large-scale special events, mobilizations, and incidents. He joined the MSP in 1995, has a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, graduated from the 235th Session of the FBI National Academy, completed the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University Leadership in Homeland Security Program as well as the U.S. Army War College Commandant’s National Security Program.
Julie Mann
BOARD MEMBER
Julie Mann, MSIR, SPHR, CCP, is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Neogen Corporation, a food and animal safety company located in Lansing, Michigan. For more than 30 years, Julie has specialized in the development of effective people and business strategies that drive positive organizational change. Julie utilizes her expertise as a thought leader to continuously look for innovative new ways to anticipate and resolve both current and future HR issues.
Prior to Neogen, Julie held leadership roles at Holland Corporation, Herman Miller, Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, and more. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Northeastern Illinois University and a Masters of Science in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business.
Lauren Thompson
BOARD MEMBER
Lauren is the public information officer for the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. Prior to joining MSP, Lauren had a long career as an award-winning journalist and television news anchor.
She has been involved with fundraising efforts with the House of Promise for years and has seen it grow from an idea into a reality.
As a mother of 5, including 4 girls, Lauren is proud to be a public face of the efforts to raise money and support for the girls and women at the House of Promise as they rebuild their lives.
Gina Johnsen
LEGISLATIVE LIAISON
Gina Johnsen is a Michigan State Representative - District 78, has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Studies from Wellesley College, is an Insurance Agent for Swan Retirement Partners, Director of Michigan Pray, Board Member of House of Promise, Executive Director for Pregnancy Center of Eaton County, and a volunteer for Sak Saum and Protect Life MI.