About Us
Our History
Since 2005, Guidelight has been a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenges of disability. Born from a vision to bring Christ-centered transformation, we have walked alongside thousands of families worldwide, offering gospel-focused support and practical encouragement. Over the past 20 years, our ministry has grown from hosting intimate family retreats to equipping churches and organizations across 12 countries on four continents. Through retreats, training, and global partnerships, we’ve empowered communities to reflect the light of Christ in the darkest valleys, fostering hope, dignity, and belonging for those society often overlooks.
Who We Are
Guidelight is led by the Reimer Family, whose personal journey with disability fuels their deep passion for this ministry. Their heart is to see families and churches united together in the transformative truth of the gospel, where every person—regardless of ability—is valued as an image-bearer of God.
Our Team
Our devoted team offers varied talents and a shared resolve to reflect Christ’s love through practical service. With over thirty volunteers giving seven thousand hours each year—supporting families, guiding events, and strengthening churches—we help create welcoming spaces where lives are renewed by Jesus.
Founders
Justin & Tamara Reimer
Justin and Tamara are the proud parents of five children (Elisha, Noelle, Abram, Evangeline, and Naomi). Elisha has Down Syndrome. It was through their experience raising Elisha that Guidelight was founded in 2005 as a means of outreach and care for families of children with special needs. Their vision is to equip churches and families worldwide to embrace the gospel’s transformative power, fostering communities where everyone belongs.
Program Director for Eurasia
Dan Waldeck
Dan Waldeck serves as the Director of Development for Guidelight. Dan’s experience is heavily integrated with serving people. While beginning his professional work experience in financial services, he spent 26 years as a collegiate basketball coach. Dan and his family relocated to Idaho in 2021, where they have enjoyed their new church family and friends. He and his wife Cindy live in Meridian, Idaho. Cindy works as a special education teacher for West Ada County.
Director of Development
Chris Wick
Chris and Ashley Wick have been married since 1999 and have been blessed with four wonderful children (Tahlia, Mikaela, Braden, & Karsten). They have lived in Slovenia since 2012, spending ten years working with local churches to help reach next generation youth with the hope of Christ. For many years the Wick family has been uniquely involved with Guidelight, and in 2022 Chris began serving as Guidelight’s Program Director for Eurasia. The Wick family now partners with local churches to minister among the special needs community in Slovenia, and beyond.
About Us
Board of Directors
The Guidelight’s Board of Directors is fully engaged in our mission of pursuing Christ-centered transformation in the lives of people impacted by disability. Our strategy is to proclaim biblical truth and provide needed resources to those we serve in North America and around the world.
Each board member volunteers their time to apply their gifting, skills, and passions to build and maintain a comprehensive strategy that propels our growth and increases our effectiveness. We are grateful for this group of godly and wise people.
James Dirksen
James Dirksen is a career businessman. He is the founder and CEO of Solutional, Inc. James and his wife, Dana, are the parents of six children living in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Their family has a genuine passion for ministry with children. James provides leadership to Guidelight as Chairman of the Board.
Justin Reimer
Justin and Tamara Reimer founded Guidelight, formerly The Elisha Foundation, in 2005. They are the proud parents of five lovely children, the eldest (Elisha) has Down Syndrome. The Reimer’s want to see Christ made much of through and in disability. Justin serves as Founder & President.
Jason Hartung
Jason Hartung is the CFO of Children’s Hunger Fund. Jason and Mary are the proud parents to four beautiful children. Their youngest child, Tyler, has multiple disabilities. The Hartung family is an ardent supporter of disability outreach and the Mission of Guidelight. Jason provides financial oversight of Guidelight and is the acting Secretary.
JB Stocklager
JB Stockslager is a faith-driven business leader. Since college, he has been transformed through an ongoing calling to serve the disabilities community — through his church, broader community settings, and Guidelight. He values every opportunity to serve.
MARK GOLIKE
Mark works as a business executive and also has years of experience in youth work, along with his wife, Rachel. The couple’s journey with Guidelight began as volunteers at a family retreat, an experience that oriented their hearts to those with disability. Mark and Rachel live in Everett, Washington with their two children, Penny and Liam.
Join the Journey
We invite you to walk with us as we bring gospel hope to families affected by disability. Whether through volunteering, partnering with your church, or supporting our global mission, you can help multiply the light of Christ in lives and communities worldwide.