Jenny Halupnik

Background

About Jenny Halupnik

I used to wear a neon T-shirt, ’80s-rocker wig and sequined sunglasses to work. It was a blatant attempt to snag and bag the attention of beautiful but bleary-eyed kids who chose to start their school day extra early with me. As the creator of a free before- or after-school club called Quest for Christ, I encouraged kids to step out in faith and action as they defined their own futures. Little did I know that this endeavor would be my own foray into faith and action unparalleled in my life. God took this passion and launched me into a world utterly different than my own: a world of championing people facing addiction, incarceration, homelessness and poverty to be overcomers at One Eighty. I joined this Davenport nonprofit in 2016 to lead Prevent initiatives serving under-resourced children in local public schools. Later, I joined the Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership Team as the Director of Engagement. Now my heart beats stronger for the stories of redemption and restoration we see happening around us every day - families reunited after years of estrangement, hurting people regaining their sense of dignity and humanity, individuals doing the challenging work of confronting their pasts, accepting their present, and forging a different future. And best of all - people encountering a life and future of hope in Christ. It is my privilege to tell their stories and invite others along to participate in their journeys. I love what I do, despite the emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak and triumph I see daily. And more than what I do, I love the people I serve and work alongside - people who have shown me what it means to live under grace and for the glory of the Lord who is the ultimate champion of our souls. When I’m not fully engrossed in One Eighty life, I garden, read and enjoy my family of my husband, Mark, and my three grown children, Austin, Grace and Cole. I've dabbled in adjunct teaching at St. Ambrose University and serve with my fellow church members in pulling off the Quad Cities Night to Shine prom for people with special needs. My greatest aspiration is to live authentically and fully alongside others in a way that honors our mutual humanity and the God who created us. Let me know if you have time for a cup of tea to get that started between us!