Earlier this year, Maricela Gray was appointed as the new Executive Director of House of Hope by the Board of Directors, replacing Bobbi Tschirgi, who has accepted a position on the Board.

Maricela’s vision for the future is to maintain and protect the House of Hope mission.

“House of Hope provides a safe, clean and sober, nurturing environment for substance-abusing women. Our mission is to help them regain their self-awareness, spirituality, dignity, and integrity and learn how to live life without alcohol and drugs. We also help them become financially responsible, re-establish family ties, and be reunited with their children when possible.”

Maricela’s journey at HOH started in October 2000 when she was first a client. Maricela says, “I and many other women recovered under the umbrella of this mission and my heartfelt goal is to continue this wonderful legacy.” Like many who are victims of the disease of alcoholism, she stumbled in her first attempt at recovery, but returned to the House in 2003. Following her successful graduation from the Primary program in 2004, she moved to Sober Living, returned to school, and became deeply involved with Las Esperanzas, the House of Hope auxiliary that actively supports the women at the House both financially and through service.

Maricela began working for House of Hope in 2005, first as an intern in the administration office, and later in 2007 as the Office Administrator. She soon became Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. Her responsi-bilities continued to increase, including taking on the duties of Human Resources Administrator in 2014. When House of Hope contracted with Los Angeles County to receive Drug Medi-Cal funding in 2016, Maricela implemented and managed the required County billing system for the House. Her experience as a former client has heightened her ability to see the many facets of House of Hope through the eyes of clients. This, coupled with the skills learned as a staff member, gives promise to her successful leadership as Executive Director.

With Maricela leading the organization as Executive Director and Bobbi providing support from the Board of Directors, this transition assures a partnership of heartfelt adherence to the House of Hope mission.