Spero is excited to welcome Rev. Gina Ellis to our team! She has been appointed as our Spiritual Life Coordinator, taking over for Rev. Deb Pollex. Gina brings with her a wealth of experience in children’s ministry with the United Methodist Church and has also been a foster parent for 7 years. Though she will be working with us part-time, Gina will continue to serve at Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church and Bluford Otterbien United Methodist Church. We are grateful to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will make at Spero.

After working in subsidized housing for over two decades, she opened a restaurant with her husband, Jerry. Later, she became a custodian at a church where she discovered God’s calling for her and decided to become a Licensed Local Pastor.

Gina’s experience in ministering to children and youth, as well as her experience as a foster parent, led her to accept this position at Spero. She has witnessed firsthand the emotional pain that some young people carry, and has gained valuable insights from the 10 long-term foster care placements she and her husband have had.

As the Spiritual Life Coordinator at Spero, Gina will be providing guidance, support, education, and engagement opportunities to our youth who live on campus as well as our staff. Gina is excited to connect and build relationships with many young individuals on campus. One of her passions is cooking, and she is delighted to share this passion and cook alongside the youth. She believes that gathering at a communal table helps us bond and grow closer to one another.

The Spero Spiritual Life Program offers:

• Weekly Spiritual Life Group for residents
• Youth-led worship services
• Interactive prayer spaces for youth and staff
• Prayer request
• Office Blessings
• and more!