Handfuls of Hope Governing Board

Donald P. Coords Jr., President

Don and Janis Coords began leading mission trips to the Dominican Republic in 1997, introducing teenagers to what “our world” is really like beyond their own communities. Their heart for service has inspired and shaped the worldview of countless young people over the years. What they didn’t anticipate was how profoundly their own lives would be transformed in the process.

Don is the owner of ESS, a security systems integration firm in New Jersey, and together he and Janis are proud parents of four married children and grandparents to fifteen wonderful grandchildren.

“I believe Handfuls of Hope is all about here and there,” Don shares. “We seek to impact the lives of people here in the U.S. and empower them to make a difference there—in arguably one of the poorer parts of this hemisphere. Our goal is to educate not only through reading, writing, and arithmetic, but by teaching that the only way to truly know JOY is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Juan C. Velasco, Vice President

Juan is an attorney with a private practice in Edison, New Jersey, specializing in bankruptcy, real estate and business transactions, and commercial litigation. Always eager to serve, Juan also dedicates his time as treasurer of his church and as a board member for several nonprofit organizations.

As a founding director of Handfuls of Hope, Juan plays an active role in organizing and planning mission trips to the Dominican Republic. Through his unselfish giving of time and resources, he has built lasting relationships and touched countless lives, reflecting the heart of the ministry’s mission.

Raymond J. Then, Jr. - Treasurer

Ray retired in 2014 after a 35-year career in accounting, management, and ownership of an ultra-pure water instrument manufacturing company founded in 1903. He and his wife, Kathy, have been blessed with two grown children and two granddaughter.

They joyfully give back by serving through their church, where Ray is Chairman, Treasurer, and Associate Pastor.

Ray began traveling to the Dominican Republic with Handfuls of Hope in 2016 and quickly felt a deep calling to become more involved in supporting the lives touched by the ministry.

“I know and feel with all my heart that God has our lives planned before we are born. When we trust in Him, He will guide and direct us in all our paths. Handfuls of Hope is a path He has chosen for me.”

Robert Coords, Director

Rob works for his family’s business, ESS, a security systems integration company in New Jersey where he is a senior service technician. He and his wife, Sonya, have been married since 2002 and are blessed with three wonderful children.

Rob has been serving with Handfuls of Hope for more than 10 years, helping to plan and lead mission trips while also contributing on several committees throughout the year. From his first visit to the Dominican Republic, Rob fell in love with the people and felt God’s clear calling to continue serving through this ministry.