Two women smiling and embracing outdoors, one wearing a black dress and colorful necklace, the other in a gray T-shirt and cap with a fanny pack, standing in a natural setting with trees.

God Works Through Us for His Power, Our Purpose

God’s Story

In the summer of 2024, we traveled to Uganda with open hands and hearts, not knowing what to expect. What we found changed us forever.

At Pagirinya Refugee Settlement, we met Scovia Mansuk—a South Sudanese woman who fled unimaginable violence and now leads Yenet’s women’s ministry. Through her, we encountered a community of resilient women: mothers, widows, and young girls who had lost so much, yet stood firm in faith.

In the face of deep suffering, they boldly shared the Gospel, lifted one another up, and believed in something greater than survival.

That’s why we founded Ovens of Hope—to stand with women like Scovia, empowering them to rebuild their lives and experience the hope and transformation found in Jesus Christ.

Group of five women smiling outdoors, standing side by side, with trees and a vehicle in the background. They are casually dressed, wearing sunglasses, backpacks, and waist packs.
Four people in colorful attire standing together outdoors with trees and chairs in the background.
Group of women having a discussion outdoors, seated on plastic chairs in a circle, with additional empty chairs in the background.
A group of people sitting outdoors on green plastic chairs in front of a church, with some standing and speaking. The church has a cross and is painted in yellow and red. Trees surround the area, suggesting a community gathering or meeting.
A group of people sitting outdoors in plastic chairs, engaged in activities. One person, wearing a pink cap, is kneeling and interacting with another person in a colorful dress. The setting is grassy with bushes and trees visible in the background. A
A group of people sitting in a circle outdoors on plastic chairs, participating in a discussion or meeting. The setting is a grassy area with trees in the background, and the group is diverse, featuring both men and women.
A woman in a tan shirt and cap sitting on a blue plastic chair, holding a small baby in her arms, while another woman in a blue shirt attending to the baby outdoors with green and yellow grass in the background.
A group of children is gathered around an adult who is sitting and holding a book or tablet. The adult is wearing a beige hat and light clothes. The children appear to be looking at the book or tablet. There are blue chairs in the background and the
A person wearing a sun hat and casual clothing stands outdoors with a group of children, all posing with their hands on their heads. The children and adult are smiling, and the scene takes place on a dirt surface under a partly cloudy sky.

Restoring Hope: A Future Built on Faith and Opportunity

Our Mission

Nurture Christ-centered women leaders who share the Gospel in Uganda’s refugee settlements. By equipping them to launch and manage baking businesses, we provide a path to income, independence, and a future where they thrive.

Our Vision

We envision a future where women in Uganda’s refugee settlements rise above poverty through faith, discipleship, and entrepreneurship—transforming their families, communities, and future generations.

Our Beliefs

  • People sitting at a table with open books and holding a cross, symbolizing a religious study or prayer meeting.

    Discipleship Comes First

    We equip and empower women to become disciples of their communities, spreading Christ’s love through service and leadership.

    (Ephesians 4:12)

  • White pitcher with water pouring into a metal bowl, accompanied by a white cloth.

    Called to Serve

    We follow Jesus Christ's command to serve others. Our service reflects Christ's example and His call to love our neighbors as ourselves.

    (Mark 10:45)

  • Smiling woman making a heart shape with her hands in front of her face, outdoor setting.

    Love is the Foundation

    Discipleship starts with love. We are committed to loving others as Christ loves us, creating communities rooted in compassion, dignity, and grace.

    (John 13:34)

  • Thorn crown, wooden cross, and rusty nail on white background.

    Jesus Transforms Lives

    We believe Jesus transforms lives, bringing hope, healing, and restoration—turning brokenness into wholeness and despair into joy and purpose.

    (Jeremiah 29:11)

Our Values

  • Servant Leadership

    We follow Jesus’ leadership model, rooted in humility, service, and love. True leadership isn’t about power or status but selfless service, empowering women to lead with faith and purpose.

  • Integrity & Stewardship

    We are committed to transparency and ethical resource management, honoring the trust of donors, partners, and participants by managing funds and opportunities with care and accountability.

  • Economic Opportunity

    We believe in the dignity of work and providing tools, training, and support to help women in refugee communities access opportunities to work, earn a living, and support their families.

  • Sustainability & Growth

    We are committed to building sustainable, faith-driven models that empower women to generate income and opportunities long after our programs launch, fostering long-term growth.

  • Cultural Respect & Unity

    We embrace each woman's unique background and traditions in our program, honoring their experiences and celebrating their cultural contributions as they lead their communities with grace and strength.

Meet the Team

  • Portrait of person with short blonde hair and pink lipstick against a blurred background.

    Denise Court

    FOUNDER

    Denise is also the founder of Launch Yeti Marketing and has over 25 years of experience in technology marketing and sales for early-stage companies. She has launched 14 technology companies, successfully navigated funding rounds, and achieved multiple IPOs and acquisitions. As Founder of Ovens of Hope, Denise combines her strategic expertise and passion for discipleship to position the organization for sustainable growth and impact. Her leadership and commitment are vital to advancing Ovens of Hope's mission to empower women and transform lives.

  • Portrait of a woman with blonde hair and pearl earrings against a black background.

    Val Gammon

    CO-FOUNDER

    Val is a retired middle school teacher with 28 years of experience. She has served as the English department chair, team leader, mentor, and was named Teacher of the Year. Val is deeply committed to community service, exemplified through her work with Central Texas Table of Grace, a nonprofit providing a nurturing and stable home environment for children and youth in crisis. As a board member, she co-chaired fundraising events to support their mission. Her dedication to education and service continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

  • Person smiling with hands gently resting under chin, wearing a smartwatch and a patterned top, on a peach and wood background.

    Scovia Mansuk

    YENET - UGANDA

    Scovia is the Women’s Leader at Yenet Ministries, working with Ovens of Hope to empower South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. Her innovative programs include interdenominational mentorship for women leaders, career guidance for students, and strategic alliances with churches to strengthen community outreach. Scovia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University and has certifications in financial management and business development.

  • Smiling woman with short hair and earrings, wearing a black outfit.

    Cindy Waters

    LEADERSHIP TEAM

    Cindy Waters is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience in public and private accounting. A graduate of the University of Texas, she has dedicated her career to financial expertise and community service. Cindy has held leadership roles in PTAs, booster clubs, and faith-based organizations, including St. William Catholic Church and Holy Family Catholic School. Her passion for education, faith, and service continues to make a lasting impact in the communities she supports.

  • Smiling woman in floral outfit with wavy blonde hair taking a selfie indoors.

    Adanna Court

    LEADERSHIP TEAM

    Adanna Court serves as the secretary and project manager for Ovens of Hope while holding the technical project manager position at Kendra Scott. In her role at Kendra Scott, she leads technical projects as a program manager for store rollouts. She participates in volunteer initiatives, including a Kendra Gives Back event that supports women and children in Uganda. Her previous technical and project management experience drives Ovens of Hope’s efforts to implement sustainable programs.

Help Build the First Oven

Your donation helps launch our first oven, equipping refugee women in Uganda to bake, earn, and lead. Together, we’ll spark faith, fuel business, and rise—brick by brick.

Donations are tax-deductible. Clicking the donation button will take you to our dedicated giving page hosted by the Central Texas Community Foundation. There, you can safely make your tax-deductible gift to support the mission of Ovens of Hope.