WHO WE ARE

A Community On Mission

CHILDREN LIBERATED.
LIVES RESTORED.

Text saying "God's love on display" with "love" highlighted in red.

We believe God has already placed the right people in the right places to care for children in distress. So we commit every day to help vulnerable children thrive by empowering their caregivers with training and resources. All to work toward a world where every child is treasured in their community and transformed by the love of Jesus.

River Cross Annual Report 2023 logo with abstract design.
A young child in a red dress holding a colorful patterned cloth, with a blurred outdoor background and people in the distance.

VISION

Every child is treasured in their community and transformed by the love of Jesus.

A smiling woman holding a young child in her arms, with both facing the camera against a blue background. The child looks thoughtful.

MISSION

To help vulnerable children thrive by empowering their caregivers with training and resources.

1,900+

people trained

organizations, schools, churches engaged

300+

children served

14,000+

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COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, United States, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
South Sudan, and Burundi

Because Engage Groups are held online, anyone, anywhere, can begin to build a BRIDGE to freedom. Click to register.

WE ARE GOSPEL-ROOTED AND RESEARCH INFORMED.

Our programs live in the beautiful intersection of faith and science as we see research-backed methodology align with God’s design. We start by equipping trusted community leaders—those closest to the root causes of trauma—with the tools to confront it head-on. By mobilizing them with a replicable model of care, we don’t just address immediate needs—we help change the trajectory of generations now and for eternity.

WE EQUIP LOCAL LEADERS
RiverCross began with a strong conviction that God has intentionally placed the right people in the right places to be agents of change in their communities. Our role is to equip local leaders with training and resources they can seamlessly integrate into their cultural context—empowering them to heal and multiply their impact.

WE HARNESS THE POWER OF STORY
Storytelling is at the core of who we are and how we learn—it’s how God designed us. Our immersive audio dramas go beyond training, embedding real transformation into daily life. Stories transcend cultures, generations, and traumas, making our adaptable model a simple, repeatable tool for trusted adults to bring lasting hope and healing.

Board of Directors

  • Smiling person wearing a blue plaid shirt outdoors with trees in the background.

    Chris Hodges

    BOARD CHAIRMAN

    Redeeming Development Group, Managing Principal

  • Portrait of a woman with short gray hair, wearing a floral scarf and light pink sweater, smiling outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

    Mary Vandel Young, M.Div.

    VICE CHAIRMAN

    JourneyMates, Executive Director

  • Smiling woman with long hair wearing a pink shirt standing outdoors with trees in the background on a sunny day.

    Marilyn Young, M.S., LCSW

    SECRETARY

    Psycho Therapist, Trauma Specialty

  • Smiling man in a blue plaid shirt against a neutral background.

    Rob Morris, M.S.

    TREASURER

    Hope International, Senior Innovation Manager

  • Smiling woman with gray hair wearing a white top, sitting outdoors in sunlight.

    Cindy Finley M.S.

    MEMBER

    RiverCross, Executive Director

Our Team

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Smiling woman with brown hair wearing a maroon sweater, sitting outdoors with greenery in the background.

Cindy Finley, M.S.

Executive Director

Brenda Farrand, B.S.

Administrative Manager

Woman with long blonde hair wearing a maroon top, standing outdoors in front of a white fence and trees.
Man smiling, wearing a light blue shirt, with a blurred green background.
A woman in a pink dress stands outdoors with two children. One child is wearing a grey shirt, and the other is in a t-shirt with the words "Refuse to Lose" printed on it. They are near trees and an old cart.
Person smiling outdoors wearing a colorful scarf and white jacket.

Tino Rusike, B.A.

Zimbabwe Country Director

Devon Tarr, M.A.

Training Director &
Trauma Specialist

Ashley Baker, M.A.

Content Creator

Allison Hodges, B.S.

Gratitude Coordinator

Micah Lwiindi

Rivercross Trainer

Dawn Stride, B.S.

Director of Operations

Advisory Council

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    Ade Alowu

    Christian Alliance for Orphans - Global Network, Africa Coach

  • A man wearing a patterned fleece jacket in a room with wooden walls.

    Todd Busteed

    Gap Digital.,, CEO and Production Manager

  • Black and white photo of a bearded man wearing a cap backwards, looking upward, with blurred background.

    Bryan Gouge, PhD LPC

    Compassion International, Sr. Mental Health Program Specialist

  • Portrait of a smiling person wearing a pink blazer and floral blouse against a light blue background.

    Beryl Murgor

    Church World Services, Associate Director of integration Services

  • Woman with blonde hair smiling, wearing a blue sweater and necklace, against a wooden background.

    Michelle Suffridge

    Refugee Hope Partners, Founder and Executive Director