Luader Smith

Luader Smith is a native Mississippian and a third generation preacher, following in line with her grandfather and mother. Her lifelong calling is to serve God, church and community. The Springfield Baptist Church, Beacon, New York, has journeyed with her through discernment and training, authorizing her ministry through ordination.

Reverend Smith was given a spiritual vision to establish a shelter for victims of domestic violence. With blessings from God and all those supporting her vision of 2002, it was realized in 2008.

The Hudson Valley House of Hope, a shelter in the time of a storm, opened its doors on July 15, 2008. The licensed 14-bed, 24-hour residential facility provides emergency shelter, crisis intervention and counseling services for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

Reverend Smith is the Founder and serves as Executive Director. She is responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations, program development and implementation, sustainability, training and supervision of staff, direct services, advocacy, financial accountability and grant writing.

Reverend Smith is a current member of New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Dutchess County Steering Committee and CADVSA, and the DC Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her education includes 12 years in business banking; she is an Army veteran, and attended Copiah Lincoln Community College in Mississippi and Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie.

A writer who has co-authored and produced a four-act play based on the life of her sister, Brenda, entitled, “There Is Hope”, Reverend Smith has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work. Hudson Valley House of Hope is dedicated in memory of her sister, Brenda, who suff ered from domestic violence and who passed away at age 45. Reverend Smith, after helplessly watching her sister victimized and abused for many years, vowed to not just shelter victims, but educate families about domestic violence.

Reverend Smith believes that if she can help somebody as she passes along, then she knows that her living shall not be in vain.