Project Restoration In Progress
Richard Nelson, Executive Director
Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build. We believe in doing great work, building real relationships, and making communities safer. Richard Nelson holds a Bachelor’s from Hope College, where he graduated magna cum Laude. He is currently advancing his expertise by completing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling. As a trained mediator and conflict resolution specialist, Richard is driven by a lifelong passion for service and a dedication to reducing crime through proactive and preventative measures.
Project Restoration In Progress
Jessica Tomac, Board Member
Jessica is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and has been serving her community for over 14 years. She brings a strong belief in individualized planning, collaboration, and long-term stability—values that align closely with her commitment to helping people build productive, independent futures.
Giving back is central to Jessica’s life and work. She is passionate about supporting individuals facing significant life transitions and is especially committed to helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals gain the tools, confidence, and structure needed to successfully reintegrate into society. She believes second chances, paired with accountability and support, create lasting change for individuals and communities alike.
Project Restoration in Progress
Tasha Carr, Treasurer
I am a versatile business professional with deep experience in executive support, bookkeeping, financial analytics, and strategic problem‑solving. My background includes supporting senior leaders, optimizing business operations, and delivering data‑driven insights that strengthen organizational effectiveness. I have also led ministry and consultation services for children and adults, including prior work with Forgotten Man Ministries in Ottawa County. Across every role, I bring integrity, clarity, and a passion for helping people and organizations thrive.
Project Restoration In Progress
Board Member Johnny Carr
Motivation and inspiration fuel Johnny as he empowers people to rise from brokenness and step into healing. As a motivational speaker, mentor, and coach, he brings hope, clarity, and encouragement to individuals who feel overlooked or overwhelmed.
His work includes mentoring youth through via Escape Ministries’ Last Step Program, speaking in public schools, and offering one‑on‑one ministry that meets people right where they are. He also writes uplifting content designed to strengthen, restore, and ignite purpose in others.
At the heart of his mission is a simple truth: everyone deserves a chance to rebuild and become who they were created to be.
PROJECT RESTORATION IN PROGRESS
Joseph Cedillo, Secretary
Joe has a commitment to serving and building relationships with others and believes that together can create a flourishing community. After being release and serving over 38 years in prison Joe has graduated with B.A. degree from Hope College. He is trained in team building, mediation, and in resolving conflict.
His lived experiences include youth and peer mentorships that focus on fostering education, growth, and accountability. Possessing a desire to give back, Joe’s aim is to categorically help returning citizens successfully transition back into their communities.
PROJECT RESTORATION IN PROGRESS
Dr. James Allis, Board Member
Jim Allis grew up in Southern California. He attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, then taught Middle School for four years in Jersey City, New Jersey. While in Jersey City, he earned his Master's in Educational Psychology. Then he attended Harvard University to gain a Master's in Education. He went on to study philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh to obtain his PH.D. He taught Philosophy for 31 years at Hope College.
In 2019, he taught one of the pilot courses for the Hope College-Western Seminary Prison Education Program (HWPEP). The program offers a four year, accredited college education to men at Muskegon Correctional Facility. For the last 3-4 years, while being part of the HWPEP Leadership Team and continuing to teach at the prison, he has worked as the HWPEP Reentry Coordinator for students in the program who are paroled to assist them as they make the very challenging transition to the larger society.
