Hope Harbor, (Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — Hope Harbor is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Lupita Ayala-Montañez, Cassie Casares, and Bart Qualsett.
· Guadalupe Ayala-Montañez (Lupita) joins the board with a strong background in community advocacy. She currently serves as a Department of Justice-accredited representative with the Multicultural Coalition, where she has dedicated nearly seven years to empowering underserved communities through compassionate and strategic leadership. She holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Bellevue University. She also serves on the Leadership Unlimited Board and chairs its Alumni/Marketing committee. She is also proud to be an alumna of Leadership Tomorrow’s Class 35. Lupita is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and included. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys painting, singing, learning new languages, and spending time with her husband and their four dogs. She believes in the power of community and is honored to contribute to Hope Harbor’s mission.
· Cassie Casares is the Customer Relationship Manager at Hamilton Telecommunications, where she oversees key accounts and provides customized telecommunications solutions. A Grand Island native, she earned her degree in General Studies with a focus on business and communication from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Cassie is an active community leader, currently serving on the Leadership Unlimited Board and chairing its annual Golf Committee. She is also a proud graduate of Leadership Tomorrow Class 37. Cassie is passionate about service and is honored to support Hope Harbor’s mission to provide stability and hope to individuals and families in crisis.
· Bart Qualsett, a Grand Island Senior High graduate, holds a business administration degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Graduate School of Banking degree from the University of Colorado. After three decades in banking across Omaha and Fremont, he returned to Grand Island to launch Pinnacle Bank’s local presence as Market President. Bart’s community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, the City of Grand Island Community Redevelopment Authority, and East Central Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also enjoys helping Howard Elementary, Pinnacle Bank’s school partner. Guided by faith and compassion, Bart sees Hope Harbor as a vital resource in meeting the essential needs of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Hope Harbor also thanks and recognizes the following outgoing board members for their years of service:
· Josh Conner (2019-2024), served on the Shelter and Events Committees
· Alicia O’Donnell (2019-2024), served on the Events, Board Development, and Finance Committees
· Paul Hoos (2022-2024), served on the Finance and Events Committees
· Robert Heagy (2023-2024), served on the Events and Shelter Committees
Their dedication and support have left a lasting impact. Hope Harbor looks forward to their continued advocacy as part of the Legacy program, Keepers of Hope.
The current Hope Harbor Board of Directors is led by Keith Mingus as President, with Travis Mittan serving as Vice President, Brian Mustion as Treasurer, and Dana Fries as Secretary. Additional board members include Marvin Andersen, Laura Dexter, Sandra Kraft, Natalie Lukens, Kelsey Musich, and Bana Stec.
Hope Harbor serves individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing safe shelter, meals, intensive case management, and educational programming focused on long-term self-sufficiency. Through its Community Assistance program, Hope Harbor also provides food boxes, diapers, baby formula, hygiene items, gas vouchers (in special circumstances), and State ID vouchers for those in need.
