Who We Are

Aspire for Greatness began as a labor of love for Founder Dave Hahn who saw a need for the youth of the Fremont community that was left unmet. He joined together with several other people to form a new youth center to provide a safe environment for youth in 5th through 12th grade, and through the age of 19 years old for any youth in the community who are in need of our programming. In 2020 Aspire for Greatness was formed as a non-profit organization, and accepted by the Fremont Area Community Foundation as a fiscal sponsor. In June 2021 Good Shepherd Lutheran church graciously offered to host our program so that we could begin in September 2021.

For the youth in our community to reach their full potential there are several needs that we intend to meet. The goal of Aspire for Greatness is to provide those youth with a safe and encouraging environment, access to caring adults, food, physical activity, lessons on social emotional and spiritual topics, and substance use prevention education during out of school time.  At our heart, our program is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, self-worth, purpose, hope, and value in older youth. 

Kristen Widman serves as Aspire's Executive Director and has served Aspire from its creation with Dave Hahn, Heather Walraven, and Chris Leaver. In addition to founding Aspire, Dave Hahn also served as the President of the Board of Directors until his passing on February 2, 2023. The current Aspire Board of Directors includes President Peter Jacobus, Vice President Adam Marshall, Secretary Cindy Reed, Treasurer Zach Weber, and members Heather Walraven, Katie Sears-Thompson, and Kristen Widman.

Aaron Von Behren began with Aspire in June 2022 as the first hired staff member, bringing the program to fruition and serving as Program Coordinator (and many unofficial titles) for the afterschool and summer programs until his unexpected passing on January 17, 2024. His presence is greatly missed, but the impact he had on the program will have a lasting impact on Aspire as a program, as well as all of the individual lives touched by Aaron's heart for those around him, kindness, character, willingness to go above and beyond in everything he did, and his boldness in sharing the hope and healing found in the Bible.

Aspire for Greatness offers a safe place, access to supportive adults, snacks and meals, faith-based lessons, mentoring opportunities, physical activities, clubs and other enrichment opportunities, incentives for positive behaviors and academic achievements, and an opportunity to build community in-house as well as with community partners.  We continue to provide services in areas of the community where youth services are needed, specifically for youth in middle school and high school and are working to build capacity to provide programs for young adults as well.