Meet our Team

Church and Program Support

Lara Kees

I was raised in a Christian home, attended church, Sunday school, Bible studies, and sang in the choir. Yet, I didn’t know Jesus. I would have said that I was happy, until some very hard things happened in my life. Death of a child, a bad divorce and excessive alcohol drove me down a path of pain and sorrow. BUT GOD, in His perfect love and perfect timing called me out of the darkness and brought me into his marvelous light.

The Lord blessed me with a husband that loves the Lord and whose desire is to follow him and love others. We knew first-hand the transforming power of Jesus and our desire was to serve others struggling with addiction. That’s when we attended our first Hope For Addiction meeting. After that very first meeting we were so blown away by the honesty and grace offered there, we returned and never left. We are so thankful for the opportunity that we now have to share the wonderful gospel of Jesus on a weekly basis.

I have watched God work out details in my life and I stand in awe of His mighty hand that has enabled me to be a part of this amazing team. I can truly say that my journey has been worth it as I surrender to the Lord daily and walk alongside those that are hurting and broken. I cannot fully express my gratitude to the God who has called me, restored me, and given me this beautiful ministry. There is HOPE, and his name is Jesus.

Freedom House

Fiona Madden

I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and

heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction,

out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock,

making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear,

and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3

Because He is my help and deliverer, I want to help others know there is hope for a good future.

Founder/President

Liz Beck

Certified Biblical Counselor, ACBC
Certified Addictions Biblical Counselor, ACBC

Commissioned Addictions Counselor, The Addiction Connection

This is about God’s work of redemption... in me, in you and in those who feel trapped in addiction.

The heartaches of life led me to life-altering moments and had it not been for my faith in God and the care of my church family, I don’t know where I would be. My family was broken and I was near hopeless. Addiction destroys more than just the addict. It can destroy family members too.

Devastating circumstances continued and ended in the failure of my marriage and then the overdose death of my husband. My world seemed to be spinning out of control. The following five years were the darkest of my life. Being anchored in scripture, having the love of my church and the grace of God , I had hope. I'm not going to lie, I wasn't sure I would survive the onslaught of trials and loss after devastating loss. But God is faithful and he sustained me, met me in my need and revealed even more of his goodness.

My heart is to help struggling addicts meet Jesus and teach practical application of scripture to both inform right thinking and teach what it means to walk in the light and follow Christ.

See full bio and personal testimony video here

OUR BOARD

Liz Beck, President
Founder, Hope for Addiction

Cynthia Wright, Treasurer
Certified Public Accountant

Rich Richardson, Secretary
Pastor, Center Church Gilbert
The Gospel Coalition Arizona Steering Committee

Jamie Self, Member
Director, JSM
Pastor, Grace Church Peoria

Glenn Kees, Member
Principal Software Engineer

Ricky Lee Aulds, Member
Pastor, Mercy Hill Church Phoenix

David Mataya, Member

Pastor, Redeemer Bible Church Giolbert