Our Team

Donna Fenchel spent most of her career climbing the ladder in corporate America, Then she met women who were survivors of sexual exploitation and deep trauma. In seeking how she could make an impact, overwhelmingly she was told, a safe place to live is what is missing. This began her vision to create the Villages of Hope. Donna loves to craft and travel and be with her grandchildren.

Carla Sweeney has lived in Jacksonville, FL for most of her life. Since 2016 she has been a director of a women’s sober living house and during this time she’s met survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation during their stay with them. This has blossomed her awareness and has opened her heart to further help women who are in need of a safe refuge and unconditional love. In her spare time, she loves to read, paint and spend time with her grandchildren.

Carole is a Jacksonville Native and currently serving as the Board Chair. Carole has over 30 years’ experience in banking and is currently the Market President for The First Bank. She is involved with several non-profits and Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise. She is honored to serve on the board of Villages of Hope where she has a passion for individuals who have been caught in the system of Human Trafficking. Carole is also an entrepreneur at heart; she owns two businesses in Clay County, Fl and her passion is giving back to the Community. Carole and her husband live in Middleburg, Fl on Black Creek she enjoys boating and spending time with her family.

Julie Cribb is a Realtor, business development professional, and community leader with a passion for connecting people, building relationships, and creating opportunities that make a lasting impact. A graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Julie has built her career on communication, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to serve others. She is the proud mother of two daughters, who continue to inspire her commitment to helping women and families build brighter futures. Julie believes lasting change happens when compassion is paired with action, and she is grateful to play a small role in helping women find freedom, stability, and a future filled with hope.

Debbie Holmes has enjoyed a 30+ year career in IT Project Management working at CSX for the majority of those years. She would always participate in “give back” days while working and was looking forward to retirement when she could finally do God’s Work full time. Debbie learned about Villages of Hope in 2019 during its pilot phase and determined that she felt called to help this organization and the women that they serve. After her retirement in 2023, Debbie has supported Villages as Secretary on the Board and has taken on coordinating Volunteer initiatives. She also participates with the Northeast Florida Women’s Chorale and enjoys scuba diving, traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Derek Holmes spent most of his career in the US Army (both Active and National Guard) along with management positions in multiple industries.  During his time in the military, he was exposed to the magnitude of Human Trafficking and the serious lack of support for survivors.  After Derek’s retirement, he was introduced to the Villages of Hope in 2019 during its pilot phase. He got involved in the initial construction of the first tiny home and continues to support as needed.  He also enjoys scuba diving and is an active instructor. Additionally, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Leslie moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1976 and has called it home ever since. Leslie and her husband have two sons, and over the years had the opportunity to live in several places while raising their family. Throughout her life, sh has been passionate about fitness, health, and tennis. That passion led her and her husband to partner with Donna Fenchel in opening multiple Orangetheory Fitness locations throughout NE Florida.
Through her friendship with Donna, Leslie became aware of the urgent need for safe housing and comprehensive support for women who have experienced sexual exploitation and trafficking. From the very beginning, the mission of Villages of Hope has been close to her heart. She is honored to support an organization that provides healing, hope, and a pathway to a brighter future for these courageous women.

Sara built her career in health tech, where years spent across operational flows and project pipelines gave her a sharp sense of how organizations are run effectively. She first connected with Villages of Hope by helping with design work for events, branding, and art projects for the women in the program. After attending the organization’s signature event, Light Her Way, she was moved to get more involved and now serves on the board as head of the operations committee. As a mother to small children, Sara feels deeply how a single moment can reshape a person’s life, and how much it matters to be the hand that reaches out. A Florida native now living in Colorado with her husband and two kids, she has a life-long love of art and is often picking up a new craft, looking for fresh ways to create and connect with others through making.

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Brenda Harris is a San Antonio, Texas native who has built a life rooted in service, creativity, and community. With over 20 years of experience in new home sales and residential design in Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda has a deep appreciation for the spaces and communities people call home. That same heart for people led her to serve those experiencing homelessness and addiction here at home and in Mexico and India. In the past five years, Brenda has channeled her passion into the fight against human trafficking, stepping into the role of Director at a nonprofit and lending her voice and leadership to numerous organizations dedicated to protecting the vulnerable. Her music studies have included vocal training, guitar, and piano. She uses these skills in her church and other venues. Traveling is a passion she shares with her husband, Jack.

Guided by her faith, Tara is passionate about finding ways to serve and strengthen her community. Through Church of Eleven22, she was introduced to Villages of Hope and was immediately inspired by the organization’s mission to provide healing, restoration, and hope for women. Wanting to make a greater impact, she became actively involved in supporting and advancing the mission.
Professionally, Tara is a Principal Customer Success Manager with Autodesk, where she specializes in creating success using technology, building relationships and connecting people from different industries to learn from one another. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Tater, soaking up the Florida sunshine, and lifting heavy things in the gym.

Tori Andrews is an entrepreneur and community advocate with more than 15 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. As the founder of Hurricane Home Prep and True North Claims Group, she is passionate about serving others through preparedness, advocacy, and compassionate support during times of crisis. A survivor herself, Tori brings a deeply personal perspective to her role on the Board of Directors for Villages of Hope. She is committed to empowering survivors of human trafficking by helping create pathways to healing, restoration, and long-term independence.

​In May of 2021, we purchased a small piece of land for Villages of Hope. Our development has 13 two bedroom tiny homes that are dedicated for women who are seeking a new life. We renovated the home on the property to be used as a community center, where we will hold morning devotions, group therapy, AA meetings, and serve meals. As we prepare to reopen after our Covid shutdown, we are once again reaching out to partners to provide the best and most comprehensive care to women who are seeking a new life and community of care. Our vision is to provide a supportive housing program for women survivors, where a woman will be surrounded by a community of care and loved unconditionally while they embark on their courageous journey of healing.