We are Dave and Melissa Tubergen
from southwest Michigan. We are a two time international adoptive family and have adopted from Michigan’s foster care system once + we are an active foster with a passion for the orphan and the families that say a big, bold, scary “YES” to care for the least of these. The Give Hope RV was born out of a desire to give rest and connection to families that are currenting fostering or have adopted.
We are family that has grown closer through the activity of camping, and we desired to help families do the same.
"Our oldest has really been struggling. Looking forward to unplugging and connecting"
- 2 time adoptive mom
The Give Hope RV was created for families just like this. Families that are in the trenches loving the hurt and the broken. Just like Jesus pursues us, we pursue them.
:: Our Board ::
Meet Matt - President
Matt Kallman lives with his wife Jenn and their ten children in Byron
Center, MI. Two of their eight sons are adopted from Kunming, China. They
are members of Calvary Baptist Church. Matt works for a software
company in Grand Rapids and serves on the Kent County Board of
Commissioners. He and his family love camping and traveling together.
Meet Rebecca -
Treasurer
Rebecca Lemley, MBA, lives in Ada, MI, with her husband, Ben, of +15 years and their son, Teddy. Adoption and foster care have always been on her heart. Her family followed God’s call when adopting Teddy from Shaanxi, China. Rebecca works as an engineering executive for a consumer goods company in Ada, MI. Give Hope RV has been the perfect way to serve adoptive/foster families while combining her love for camping and the outdoors. Rebecca loves how camping provides a special opportunity for connection as a family and with God’s creation.
Meet Jen - board member
Jennifer Gard along with her husband, Brian and their five children live in Rockford, MI. Brian and Jennifer adopted their fourth child from China in November 2019 and they adopted their youngest from Bulgaria in October 2024. Jennifer has worked for over 20 years in the field of Social Work, which has included work with adoptive and foster families, as well as family preservation. Currently she works as the Parent Liaison for families engaged in special education in Kent County, providing resources and knowledge to empower them as they navigate that path. Jennifer has also been involved within her church in supporting and providing awareness around adoption and foster care. She values providing support to those who step into the adoption/foster care space, as she understands it takes a village.