IT STARTS
WITH
A HOME

Illustration of a galaxy with two bright stars, curved lines indicating orbits or paths, on a black background with red lines and star accents.
Group of friends forming a heart shape with their hands, standing in a circle outdoors, smiling at the camera.
Three people in a room, one woman holding a microphone, another woman listening, a man playing guitar, with music stands and microphones.

Not a program. Not a curriculum. A home.

Years ago, as Dr. Valerie Althouse gathered around cramped apartment tables with international students in New York City, she began to notice a pattern: the conversations that mattered most weren’t happening in classrooms. The deep questions were being asked in living rooms, around dinner tables, and after long days.

One by one, students shared their stories—the pressure they felt from home, the culture shock, the loneliness, the weight of expectations, and the spark of purpose beginning to take root in them.

They weren’t just here to study. They were here to be shaped.

Over the next two decades, Dr. Althouse walked with students from nation upon nation—mentoring them, praying with them, helping them navigate American culture, faith questions, and leadership opportunities.

She saw them grow in resilience, in wisdom, and in faith. She saw them return home or move abroad, stepping into leadership roles with clarity and conviction.

And she began to wonder: What if there was a dedicated place—a physical home—for this kind of life-shaping work? What if, instead of scattered apartments and short-term support, there was a sustained, intentional community of formation?

That question has become a calling.

Black background with a white, four-pointed star-shaped design in the center

ROOTED IN LEGACY, GUIDED BY VISION

DR. VALERIE ALTHOUSE, FOUNDER

A simple star-shaped graphic with four points on a black background.
A smiling woman with glasses and blonde hair wearing a black blazer and a cross necklace in an office setting with artwork on the wall behind her.

Dr. Valerie Althouse is the founder of the Scott Althouse World Changers’ House and Director of Training for International Students Inc. (ISI). With over 19 years of experience in ministry in New York City, she has equipped international students to lead globally for Christ. Valerie holds a Doctorate in Ministry in Leadership in the Global Context, degrees in Biblical Studies, and certifications in Emotional and Cultural Intelligence, Instructional Design, and Religious Diversity. She has trained cross-cultural leaders, taught seminary-level evangelism, and consults on leadership with The Center. Her work centers on spiritual formation and mobilizing Christ-centered leaders for the world’s least-reached.

IN MEMORY OF SCOTT ALTHOUSE

A smiling middle-aged man with short brown hair wearing a blue collared shirt.
Red star-shaped logo on a black background
Simplified orange starburst shape on black background.

Mr. Althouse was a devoted follower of Christ, known for his deep integrity, servant-hearted leadership, and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. Professionally, he worked as a packaging engineer, but his life’s true passion was ministry. After coming to faith in his twenties, Scott poured himself into small group leadership, Bible study, evangelism, and mentoring—often quietly but with profound impact. Though not in full-time vocational ministry, he lived missionally in every sphere, embodying the Gospel through both word and action. Scott was a faithful husband, father, and elder whose humble, consistent presence left a lasting legacy in countless lives. His legacy continues through the Scott Althouse World Changers’ House, founded by his daughter Dr. Valerie Althouse, a living testimony to his vision of empowering everyday believers to change the world for Christ.

OUR BOARD

A smiling man with short, light-colored hair wearing a collared, striped shirt.

PAUL KEISLING

SENIOR LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT AT THE CENTER

Paul brings more than 40 years of experience in leadership, coaching, and organizational development across nonprofit and business sectors. He specializes in succession planning and team growth, with a passion for developing leaders and guiding mission-driven excellence.

A smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a suit, outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

REV. DR. JIN LEE

BOARD MEMBER

Jin is a senior pastor near Philadelphia with a Th.M. and D.Min., serving diverse churches and teaching pastoral ministry. Raised in South Korea, he’s passionate about gospel unity across cultures and brings theological depth and pastoral wisdom to the board.

Black and white photo of a woman with curly hair smiling at the camera.

PENELOPE MORGAN

BOARD SECRETARY

Penelope is Executive Director of Hephzibah House in NYC. She connects guests, leads programs, and stewards the historic ministry home. A King’s College graduate and gospel singer, she brings deep city-rooted faith and hands-on leadership to the board.

Red arrow pointing upward and to the left on a black background.
Red arrow pointing down and to the right
Red upward-pointing arrow.

WHY THIS PROGRAM?

Red downward-pointing arrow on black background.

In a city where high costs push students into survival mode, our House offers more than shelter. It creates space for deep focus, real growth, and meaningful connection—reaching NYC’s 100,000 international students through conversations and talks that explore faith with both the heart and the intellect.

CONNECT NOW
GIVE NOW