Sexual violence steals breath, voice, and safety. We exist to bring them back. Through proactive prevention and deep, restorative healing, we are building a future where every survivor can breathe freely again.
The Ruach Initiative is a faith-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and empowering communities to prevent abuse before it begins. Founded in 2025 and based in West Michigan, we serve individuals and organizations nationwide.
Email: executivedirector@ruachinitiative.com
Web: ruachinitiative.com
Location: Based in West Michigan, serving nationwide
The Ruach Initiative exists at the intersection of faith, healing, and justice. We believe that every person bears the image of God and deserves to live free from violence and exploitation. Our work is grounded in biblical truth and driven by compassionate action.
The name Ruach Initiative is a purposeful combination of ancient meaning and modern action.
In its original Hebrew context, the word Ruach holds three simultaneous meanings, each addressing a specific aspect of the damage caused by sexual violence:
An initiative is more than just a feeling or a wish; it is a fresh start and an introductory step.
The Ruach Initiative combines the restorative power of breath and spirit (Ruach) with the strategic power of action (Initiative). It is a dedicated movement to mobilize resources and breathe new life into the fight against sexual violence, ensuring that the 1 in 4 women who are suffering in silence are given the wind they need to rise again.
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is the Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and abounding in love and mercy. We believe that God is a God of justice who actively opposes oppression and violence, and a God of comfort who draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 146:7-9).
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It serves as the ultimate guide for faith, life, and the pursuit of justice. Scripture clearly mandates the protection of the vulnerable, the condemnation of sexual immorality and violence, and the call to restore those who have been harmed.
We believe that every human being is created in the Imago Dei—the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, every person possesses inherent dignity, worth, and value. Sexual violence is a profound violation of this image and a desecration of the temple of the Holy Spirit. We believe that no person should be objectified, exploited, or abused, and that God's design for human sexuality is one of mutual honor, safety, and covenantal love.
We acknowledge the reality of sin in a fallen world, which manifests in rebellion against God and harm against others. We believe that sexual violence is a grievous sin that stems from the abuse of power and the distortion of God's good design. While all have sinned, we distinguish between the guilt of the perpetrator and the innocence of the victim; survivors of abuse bear no shame or guilt for the violence committed against them.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, and His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood. We believe that on the Cross, Jesus not only paid the penalty for sin but also bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4). In His resurrection, He secured victory over death, shame, and evil, offering the promise of total restoration for the wounded soul.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates the sinner and empowers the believer for a life of godliness and service. The Spirit is the "Comforter" and "Advocate" (John 14:16), actively working to heal trauma, expose darkness, and guide the Church into truth. We rely on the Spirit's power to break cycles of abuse and to bring emotional and spiritual healing.
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, called to be a sanctuary of safety and a light in the darkness. It is the responsibility of the Christian community to:
We believe that no wound is too deep for the healing power of God. While the scars of trauma are real, we affirm that Jesus came to "bind up the brokenhearted" and "release the prisoners from darkness" (Isaiah 61:1). We believe in a future hope where God will wipe away every tear, and where justice and peace will reign eternally. Until that day, we are committed to laboring for the prevention of violence and the holistic restoration of survivors.
Our board brings together decades of experience in ministry, counseling, business leadership, and community service. Each member shares a deep commitment to supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence.
Executive Director of Ruach Initiative | CEO at K Group Companies
For over three decades, Chris Kuncaitis has been known as a problem solver in the business world. As a 35-year technology veteran and co-owner of K Group Companies in Grand Rapids, he has spent his career navigating complex issues for clients. However, the most vital work of his life has happened outside the boardroom.
Throughout their 31-year marriage, Chris and his wife have had the privilege of walking through life with many individuals deeply impacted by the weight of sexual violence. Seeing the devastation caused by trauma—but more importantly, witnessing the miracle of restoration to a full life—sparked a passion that could not be ignored. This shared calling led to the founding of the Ruach Initiative.
Chris now applies his lifetime of leadership and strategic consulting to a new, urgent purpose: providing the resources, connections, and support systems necessary to help survivors heal and to empower organizations fighting to prevent abuse before it begins.
For Melissa Kuncaitis, leadership has always been about serving others. As the Co-Founder and Director of Finance for the Ruach Initiative, she channels decades of professional and personal experience into a mission of restoration. Professionally, Melissa is a pillar at K Group Companies, where she has spent 28 years building the business, leading teams, and overseeing finances. Her background includes leading high-profile teams in the competitive automotive and technology sectors for over 35 years.
However, her resume only tells part of the story. Melissa's approach to leadership is defined by a "servant-first" mentality, whether she is in a boardroom or leading a ministry team. Having walked alongside many individuals on their journey of healing, she is passionate about creating pathways for restoration. At Ruach Initiative, Melissa ensures that every resource is managed faithfully to maximize the impact for those broken by sexual violence.
Chris Goossen understands the value of a strong foundation. As the owner of Goossen Masonry, he has been a fixture in the Lakeshore communities for over 30 years, building a reputation for excellence as a brick mason. He brings that same work ethic and dedication to the Ruach Initiative.
Currently, Chris is expanding his vocation from building structures to building people. He is in his fourth year at Charis Bible College in Grand Rapids and is on track to graduate with a ministry license in the spring of 2026. Chris brings a unique perspective to the team, blending the practical grit of a business owner with a growing theological depth and a heart for ministry.
Areas of Focus: Depression/Anxiety Disorders, Trauma Related Disorders, Grief/Loss/Adjustment, Marriage, Relationship Issues, Codependence/Boundaries, Spiritual/Faith Journey, Missionary Support
Dr. Newhouse is the Executive Director of Winning At Home which includes overseeing the Winning At Home Counseling Centers. He has been serving in the counseling field for more than 32 years and offers sound principles for everyday living that guide people toward healing outcomes. As an expert in the field of human relations, he enjoys providing practical solutions for communication/conflict management, depression, anxiety, anger management, pastoral/missionary care, PTSD, marriage and a variety of other relationship topics. He seeks to help people know themselves and embrace who God designed them to be.
Dr. Newhouse developed the Winning At Home Corporate Counseling Program, giving him and other clinical staff the opportunity to be on site at several local businesses. Using his expertise, he provides and oversees management/employee trainings, team building exercises, counseling and crisis management services, along with a variety of other opportunities that help companies excel in their business. He desires to equip leaders so they have a greater impact in the world.
Committed to supporting missionaries and pastors, Dr. Newhouse created a one-week intensive program to help pastors and missionaries who struggle with personal and/or ministry issues such as depression, anxiety, communication, goal setting and road mapping. As a consultant for several global mission organizations, Dr. Newhouse also provides wellness assessments with missionaries maintaining their physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Dr. Newhouse is the author of three books, Hope Through Trauma: A Self-Directed Guide to Healing, Winning the Battle Over Abuse and Prescriptions for Healthy Relationships, and the co-author of several other books. He also lectures and speaks in a variety of settings, churches, mission conferences, the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference and local businesses.
Peter has been married to his wife, Shawn Maree, for over 34 years. They live along the lakeshore in West Michigan and enjoy boating and many other outdoor activities as well as learning and traveling together. They enjoy being a part of their adult children's and grandchildren's lives as they journey through each stage.
Lead Pastor, Radiant Church - Lakeshore
Jon Zondervan serves as the Lead Pastor of Radiant Church - Lakeshore, bringing nearly two decades of full-time ministry experience to the Ruach Initiative. Alongside his wife, Kendra, Jon has spent his career dedicated to the spiritual health of communities, with a significant tenure in youth ministry. It was during these years of mentoring the next generation that Jon walked alongside many individuals navigating the painful and complex issues that Ruach Initiative seeks to address.
In 2023, Jon and Kendra assumed leadership of the Grand Haven-based Coastal Community Church, successfully transitioning it to become Radiant Church - Lakeshore. Jon brings a wealth of wisdom, pastoral insight, and organizational leadership to the Ruach team, providing crucial guidance as the initiative works to heal brokenness and restore lives.
We often think of sexual violence as something that happens "out there"—in distant headlines or crime statistics. But the reality is much closer to home. Most people are shocked to learn the true size and scope of the problem: approximately 1 in 4 women have been a victim of sexual violence.
Pause and consider that number. Look around your office, your circle of friends, or your family gathering. Statistically, this means that people you know, love, and interact with every day are carrying invisible scars. They are walking through life with unacknowledged and unprocessed trauma, often suffering in silence because they fear they will not be heard, believed, or accepted.
Too many survivors are marginalized and sidelined by this atrocity, left to navigate the aftermath alone. The trauma of sexual violence steals a person's voice and their sense of safety, but the silence of their community confirms their worst fear: that they are alone.
The Ruach Initiative was created to break this silence. We exist to be the connection point between two vital groups:
Awareness is the first step, but action is the cure. We cannot change these countless lives without resources. Your financial support allows us to:
Don't let the 1 in 4 remain a statistic. Help us turn their silent suffering into a story of restoration.
There are many ways you can partner with us in this vital mission.
Reach out to us at executivedirector@ruachinitiative.com
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