Executive Director

Darlene Kopesky is honored to partner with caring individuals who are passionate about giving unborn babies a chance at life. She grew up in Massachusetts, about 10 miles outside Boston; She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a Master’s degree from Cambridge College. She joined Cradle of Hope after over 15 years leading programs for homeless children and families for The Salvation Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After moving from Massachusetts, she is enjoying life in Minnesota with her husband Ed and two young children.  “As Cradle of Hope continues to expand services and opportunities to promote life throughout the state, I know that together we’ll be able to provide families facing a crisis with a transition from desperation to hope and save even more lives.”

Community Health Worker

Becca Balzer is a recent graduate from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health and a minor in Psychology. While at Bethel, she has been able to work with various nonprofits throughout the Twin Cities through internships and volunteering. Becca is passionate about advocating and supporting those who are in need. She is very grateful to be a part of the Cradle of Hope team doing just those things by supporting mothers, families, and children born or unborn. Becca is excited to spread awareness and provide safe sleep education to those who walk through our doors. “It is an honor to get to work alongside such amazing women who are passionate about the work that is being done at Cradle of Hope and join them in providing hope for the future.”

Bookkeeper

Sandy Tomczyk joins Cradle of Hope as a part-time bookkeeper.  She graduated from the University of MN with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and recently retired from Tennant Company, where she held a variety of accounting positions (starting her career off as a Staff Accountant in Corporate Accounting and ending as a Senior Financial Analyst in IT).  She has also served four years as Treasurer of her church.  Sandy is married and has two grown daughters and enjoys spending time with family and being in the outdoors.  She is excited to be part of a non-profit organization that has such a wonderful mission.

In Loving Memory

Cynthia came to Cradle of Hope with over 15 years of program management experience. She worked with local communities, nonprofit agencies, governmental agencies and advocates to develop statewide human services programs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in child psychology and a Master of Arts degree in human services administration. Prior to Cradle of Hope, Cynthia developed an innovative jobs and social services program for women with children living in Hennepin County, had over 13 years of policy experience with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and was the state director for the implementation of integrated mental health and addiction services. From 2016-2023, Cynthia worked at Cradle of Hope. She was passionate about Cradle of Hope’s mission and excited to collaborate with others to provide support for families facing crises. She helped Cradle of Hope expand partnerships with over 200 agencies throughout Minnesota including 7 of the 11 Minnesota Tribes so all Minnesotans had access to the supports they needed. Her calm and compassionate disposition enabled many women to choose LIFE for their babies. Cynthia has helped to save the lives of 31,450 moms and babies in crisis. Her legacy is amazing and she’ll be missed dearly!

Cynthia Godin – Obituary