Founder and Director of Fort Hope, Patrick loves building things and working with his hands. With a love of nature, a little dream, and the support of family and friends he built Fort Hope to be a place of wonder and excitement. For over 20 years he has provided a space for at risk youth and their families to have life changing moments and experiences. As the founder he does it all, from feeding the sheep in the morning to setting up the cowboy hats and bandanas for the kids before an event, he is always there willing to serve the families that pass through our gates. Love for people, love for God, and a love for families is one of his greatest talents.

Leigh Ann keeps the Fort running smoothly, and handles all the paperwork. She also enjoys teaching the Corn Husk Doll activity because she enjoys stirring up their imagination to pretend they are in 1850 and needing to make their own playthings, and most of all she loves to see the moment when the children begin to see a human figure emerge from a few corn husks and raffia. They become more serious and completely engrossed in the process as they also clothe them with scraps of fabric and yarn. It’s a rewarding time and she looks for opportunities to encourage them.