Sandra Shank A woman of determination…. Sandra Shank is a visionary, author, speaker, Realtor and CEO/Founder of Abundant Life Ministries-Hope House, Inc., a residential group home for teen boys. She is an undergraduate of Florida International University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.S. in Urban Education. As a former classroom teacher and assistant site administrator within the Miami-Dade County Public School system, she firmly believes that education is a privilege that should be exercised to the fullest. Her love for God and His people compels her to inspire and motivate others to fulfill their God ordained purpose. A woman of vision and believer in the power of determination, Sandra knows there isn’t an obstacle that one cannot overcome; they are simply opportunities designed to reveal God’s power to the fullest.

On February 3, 2003, Abundant Life Ministries-Hope House, Inc., doors opened to the first resident: a thirteen-year-old boy who was embarking upon his first experience in foster care. Sandra Shank, Co-founder of “Hope House” was overjoyed at the opportunity to impact the life of a child. Within weeks of opening “Hope House” the home was filled to capacity with teen boys from various walks of life. However, they shared a common denominator, they were all in need of a loving, nurturing and supportive environment to call home.

As Assistant Site Administrator in the Miami-Dade County Public School System, Ms. Shank experienced first-hand the devastating impact of an unstable home in the life of a child. During her tenure as Asst. Site Administrator of Gladeview Academy, a school for troubled teens, Ms. Shank was determined to give hope to students who felt hopeless. Her love and passion compelled her to pursue her students with a determination to see them succeed. It was with that same love, passion and determination that she embarked upon the journey of providing care for the motherless and fatherless.

Under the leadership of Ms. Shank, ALM-HHI is embarking upon its greatest expansion since inception, the development of Phoenix Crossings, a permanent supportive housing development is currently in Pre-Development with groundbreaking expected the first quarter of 2025. Phoenix Crossings will address the supportive housing needs of youth aging out of foster care; adults with disabling conditions and extremely low-income individuals and families.

In 2016, Sandra rallied a team of humanitarians to offer a very special “A Christmas To Remember” to children and youth in Flagler County with open DCF cases. This highly anticipated event has expanded to include children in families in need in Flagler County (DCF is no longer a requirement). This event is made possible through the generous support of corporate and individual sponsors along with a team of devoted volunteers who give freely of themselves to provide “A Christmas To Remember”!

In 2023 Sandra was nominated and selected as one of five Realtors in the United States as a National Association of Realtors, Good Neighbor Award recipient.

Sandra believes in Transformational Leadership (leading by example to foster a culture of success). Transformational leaders are: Intentional, Identifying and Impactful. Oprah Winfrey once stated, “Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.”