Meet Our Team
LAYLA FREEMAN - FOUNDER/C.E.O.
Layla Freeman is a wife, mother, friend, and encourager to all. She is a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ. Layla is the C.E.O. and Founder of the Non-Profit outreach ministry “Light of Hope”. www.lightofhopeinc.org. This is an outreach to help individuals and families who are struggling with substance abuse, addiction and life difficulties.
On Christmas Eve 2013, Layla lost her oldest daughter Ashley. Ashley was only 23 years old. There is no greater pain than child loss. Layla attributes her ability to face each day, to the overwhelming love of Jesus, who carries her through. This very difficult journey has given Layla the desire to help those who are facing difficult times and to help people see the hope. Her love for helping others is the passion behind Light of Hope. Light of Hope non-profit ministry has a vast variety of services that encourage, educate, empower and bring change and hope to the lives of those who need restoration and new life.
Layla was awarded the Non-Profit “Leading Lady” award of Rogers County in 2018. She was also voted #1 community volunteer “Best of Claremore” in both 2019 & 2020.
On June 9, 2020, Layla Freeman was Inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical National Registry, as well as recognized as an "Amazing Oklahoman" on October 2020.
Additionally, her non-profit Light of Hope was awarded the "Non-Profit of the Year" in both 2019 & 2020 and is also the winner of the International 2020 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Community Drug Prevention Award.
Layla is also an author. Her first book publication, HOPE IN THE STRUGGLE, offers hope in the midst of dark times. Layla is also the author of the encouragement blog “Layla’s Light,” found on Facebook or on her website, www.laylafreeman.com. She has been actively writing since 2001. Layla’s personal experience in the extreme difficulties of life gives her a deep understanding of brokenness. Therefore, Layla’s writing and passion behind her desire to help others is empowered by the truth of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, and the hope we find in God’s promises.
Layla is also a Business Owner/Vice President of Asset Industrial, Inc. She and her husband, Randall, work together providing services necessary for the oil refinery industry.
She is also a respected Executive Committee Board Member, serving on the State Northeast Oklahoma Workforce Development Board.
Layla is a public speaker and enjoys the opportunity to speak and present to groups, schools, churches, organizations, conferences, etc. She has a passion to bring awareness, education, and hope to our society. She believes that working together, and collaboration with others is the key to healthy families and stronger communities.
In addition, Layla is a Stephen Minister, Congregational Care Minister, Lay Servant/Speaker, and a volunteer for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Layla has two daughters who face Type 1 Diabetes daily).
NANCY PHELPS - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nancy Phelps’ life mission is to serve others.
As a former Educator, Executive Director, Director of Development, and Marketing/Development Professional, Nancy has been an integral component of several non-profit organizations by securing millions of dollars of support through monetary and in-kind donations.
Nancy is highly regarded in the State of Oklahoma as a member of numerous organizations, groups, and charitable service providers. She has and continues to serve in the capacity of Executive Director, as well as Director of Development in non-profit management. Her career has afforded her the opportunity to serve on several non-profit Board of Directors for a wide variety of organizations.
Nancy and her husband, Ron, have been married since 1981. They are blessed to have two gorgeous daughters and a successful son-in-law. Their two grandchildren are the light of their lives. Her faith, family, and friends, as well as, those she is honored to serve alongside are incredibly special to her and a gift from God.