Hope Creates Announces New Executive Director, Jennifer Lunceford

St. Louis Native, Yale Grad, Takes Top Job at Local Nonprofit

JUNE 30, 2026 — Effective July 1, 2026, Jennifer Lunceford, MSW, will step into the number one role as executive director for the sober arts organization, Hope Creates. Hope Creates empowers youth and adults in recovery from, or at risk of, Substance Use Disorder to stay sober by engaging in the expressive arts and a vibrant and creative sober community.

For the past two years, Jennifer has served as the program director and has quickly proven herself a force for change, overseeing four areas of programming that benefit the St. Louis community, most notably Make Your M.A.R.C., a diversion program for area youth ages 12-19 in the justice system. A pilot program for area veterans is new this year, under Jennifer’s steadfast hand.

Jennifer is a first-generation college student born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She had an early start in vocal music, performing with her sisters in a gospel singing group and in various church choirs throughout the St. Louis area. She also performed hip-hop, lyrical, and jazz routines with dance teams in both high school and college. Her academic background includes a B.A. in Psychology from Yale University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Jennifer has extensive experience in overdose prevention efforts through Living with Purpose and the Addiction Science Team at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health. She has first-hand experience with the damaging effects of Substance Use Disorder, and she is passionate about preventing harmful outcomes. Jennifer believes in the healing power of the arts and can be found taking dance classes and singing with her family.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Jennifer take the helm as we look to impact more people in the St. Louis area. Her drive, energy, and connection with area leaders – and program participants alike – make her the perfect choice to lead our organization,” says Jim Wallis, Board Chair, who has a 30-year career within mental health and social services, and is currently with Chestnut Health Systems.

Jennifer and her team will be supported by a strong board, including a dozen members of the St. Louis community in the public and private sectors, all united by the mission. Jennifer succeeds Julie Fox, the outgoing Executive Director, who was named in 2025 and recently resigned to spend more time with her family.

Area collaborators include the St. Louis County Family Court, the Jennings School District, St. Charles County Family Court, Marygrove, Every Child’s Hope, Division of Youth Services, Recovet, Father’s & Families Support Center, and Living with Purpose. Hope Creates receives funding from area partners, including St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, Mid-America Arts Alliance, Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, National Endowment for the Arts, Trio Foundation, Deaconess Foundation, Benefits Plan Plus, the Thomas-Dietz Family, Veterans United Foundation, and many others.