Our Staff
Lisa Friesen - Executive Director
Kaite Johnson - Client Services Director
Kaite Johnson - Client Services Director
Lisa is a lifelong Iowa girl, born in Belmond, grew up in Cedar Falls, and now lives north of Osage on the family farm. She and her husband, Myron, have four adult children; Alexa (married to Ryan), Tyler, Ellie (married to Ryan) and Emily.
She looks forward to serving God and people through the Hope for Life Pregnancy Center in Charles C
Lisa is a lifelong Iowa girl, born in Belmond, grew up in Cedar Falls, and now lives north of Osage on the family farm. She and her husband, Myron, have four adult children; Alexa (married to Ryan), Tyler, Ellie (married to Ryan) and Emily.
She looks forward to serving God and people through the Hope for Life Pregnancy Center in Charles City and throughout Northeast Iowa. Her background is middle school teaching, and women’s and children’s ministry. Bike riding and swimming are her favorite hobbies.
Kaite Johnson - Client Services Director
Kaite Johnson - Client Services Director
Kaite Johnson - Client Services Director
Kaite is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, but she has lived in 3 different Iowa towns over the past decade and is happy to call Iowa home. Before moving to Charles City, Kaite worked in client services for a pregnancy resource center in Omaha, and she is grateful for the opportunity to continue working with and for clients in Charles Cit
Kaite is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, but she has lived in 3 different Iowa towns over the past decade and is happy to call Iowa home. Before moving to Charles City, Kaite worked in client services for a pregnancy resource center in Omaha, and she is grateful for the opportunity to continue working with and for clients in Charles City and the surrounding area.
Kaite is married to Isaac, and together they have 4 children. You can often find them biking around town and enjoying the riverfront together.
Julie Bluhm - Administrative Assistant
Kaite Johnson - Client Services Director
Julie Bluhm - Administrative Assistant
Julie has grown up in Iowa, has lived in Floyd for 17 years. She and her husband have 3 adult children: Chelsea (married to Justin), Tyler(married to Miranda, Brandon(married to Taylor) and 4 grandchildren.
She is excited to be apart of Hope for Life Pregnancy Center and looks forward to being involved in the work here. Julie's background
Julie has grown up in Iowa, has lived in Floyd for 17 years. She and her husband have 3 adult children: Chelsea (married to Justin), Tyler(married to Miranda, Brandon(married to Taylor) and 4 grandchildren.
She is excited to be apart of Hope for Life Pregnancy Center and looks forward to being involved in the work here. Julie's background is in Human Services, and she has been a para educator for the past 3 years. She enjoys spending time with her family and vacationing at the family resort in Grand Rapids.
Our volunteer staff
Darla Henely - Nursing Coordinator
Darla Henely - Nursing Coordinator
Darla Henely - Nursing Coordinator
Darla was born right here in Charles City. In her youth, Darla’s family moved to Kentucky. Darla returned to Iowa to attend Luther College, pursuing a degree in nursing. In 1982 Darla graduated with her BA in nursing, married her husband, Ken, and started her nursing career in the OB department at Floyd County Medical Center. In Darla’s
Darla was born right here in Charles City. In her youth, Darla’s family moved to Kentucky. Darla returned to Iowa to attend Luther College, pursuing a degree in nursing. In 1982 Darla graduated with her BA in nursing, married her husband, Ken, and started her nursing career in the OB department at Floyd County Medical Center. In Darla’s 33 years at FCMC, in addition to working in OB, she also taught multiple classes to nursing staff and the general public, completing her career as the Education Director for FCMC.
Darla was part of the original group that recognized the need for a pregnancy center here in Charles City. She was an active member of the HFL Steering Committee, helping to select the original Board.
Darla and Ken have 2 adult sons. In addition to volunteering at HFL, Darla enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys spending time outside, gardening, raising chickens, and caring for her dog and cats.
Joel Thompson - Chair of the Board
Darla Henely - Nursing Coordinator
Darla Henely - Nursing Coordinator
Joel was raised in a Christian family with four siblings living in central and SW Iowa. After high school he went on to Iowa State University, graduating with a BA in finance. He then had a couple different jobs, with one being in Menomonie, WI where he met his wife, Trisha. They moved to Charles City in 2000 and have been blessed wit
Joel was raised in a Christian family with four siblings living in central and SW Iowa. After high school he went on to Iowa State University, graduating with a BA in finance. He then had a couple different jobs, with one being in Menomonie, WI where he met his wife, Trisha. They moved to Charles City in 2000 and have been blessed with five children, who have been homeschooled. Joel’s family is part of a home-church that meets with several families from the area each week. He enjoys spending time with his family as a husband and dad, supporting and coaching them in their activities but most of all striving to raise them to honor their Savior with their lives. He also enjoys being outside, playing sports, and running.