Staff Communications

mission

Mission

Who We Are – The Ark of Highland Lakes is a faith-driven nonprofit organization that exists to serve individuals and families in crisis throughout the Highland Lakes region. Formerly known as the Highland Lakes Crisis Network, ARK unites churches, volunteers, and community partners to bring hope, healing, and long-term transformation to those in need.

Ark Vision

Vision

How We Work – ARK operates through a network of local churches, trained volunteers, and nonprofit partners. We respond to both immediate crises—like natural disasters or emergencies—and long-term needs like transitional housing, food insecurity, foster care support, and spiritual guidance. Every response is built on relational support and a desire to show the love of Christ through action.

Important Dates

Forms & Links

Client Classes

Sign up a Client for a Learning Center Class. Questions? Contact David Smiles at david@arkofhighlandlakes.org

Ark Learning Center - Clients

Hospitality Meal

Organize a Meal for a meeting or event. Questions? Contact Angie Martinez at angie@arkofhighlandlakes.org or 830-456-1278

Hospitality Meal Request Form

Valley View Tours

Invite someone to tour Valley View Village. Questions? Contact Elyse Sellmann at elyse@arkofhighlandlakes.org or 404-216-3123

Valley View Village Tours

Core Values in Action

Humility

We believe in seeking God first, and depend on Him in every decision and action.

  • We trust that God uses our vulnerabilities as a pathway to growth and deeper
  • community with others.
  • We welcome feedback, take responsibility for our shortcomings, and know our
  • successes are shared.
  • We serve others with gratitude, recognizing that every opportunity to help is a
  • privilege.
  • We are patient and slow to anger.

We believe in prioritizing our relationship with God, knowing that love for others flows from love for Him.

  • We seek God’s will and work with a servant’s heart.
  • We demonstrate with our actions that mercy triumphs over judgment.
  • We extend grace freely.
  • We are empathetic and treat every person with dignity, respect, and kindness.

We believe honesty honors God and builds trust.

  • We strive to reflect Christ’s character in everything we do.
  • We keep our promises and fulfill our commitments.
  • We do what’s right. Even when no one is watching.
  • We handle finances, relationships, and responsibilities with transparency.

We believe in stewarding God’s resources faithfully.

  • We work hard and persevere through challenges, trusting that God multiplies our efforts.
  • We set clear goals and pursue them with excellence and are accountable for the outcomes of our work.
  • We measure impact, not just effort, focusing on real transformation in the lives we serve.
  • We continually learn and improve.

We believe that no one grows and thrives alone, that we all grow and thrive in relationship with God and one another.

  • We prioritize people over tasks, remembering that every person is valued by God and worthy of our time and care.
  • We perform better, are smarter, and have more fun working as a team than as individuals.
  • We work hard to build partnerships of trust in all endeavors.
  • We are committed to know, listen, and care as we build trusting relationships with people across the communities we serve.
Close
Smiling woman in a colorful zigzag patterned top standing beside a tree in a park.

Laura Estes

Director of Operations