The Delta Project is committed to amplifying the stories of students involved in the Juvenile justice system.

The Delta Project began in 2017 with a desire to use simple human storytelling to help people see their circumstances from a different perspective.

boys and men from the Conversations project

How do I
become
something
I don’t see?

From this simple, yet powerful question—the Delta Project was formed.

For West Michigan youth and young adults who have been or are at risk for being engaged with the juvenile justice system, our programming helps them to find their voices and proactively envision a future of their choosing.

Our vision for The Delta Project is to help our youth gain the self-confidence needed to successfully navigate life challenges and opportunities, so they can pursue their interests and dreams.

Our Vision

West Michigan youth and young adults will envision a meaningful future and have the self-confidence needed to navigate life challenges and opportunities so they can pursue their interests and dreams.

Our Mission

The Delta Project provides programming for West Michigan youth and young adults who have been or are at risk for being engaged with the juvenile justice system, supporting them to find their voices and proactively envision a future of their choosing.

Our Founders

Cole Williams

Executive Director
Cole is a motivational speaker, fatherhood consultant, facilitator, and the Founder of “Cole Speaks”. His background includes the creation and leadership of programs that work to empower and restore relationships between boys and men of color. Most importantly, Cole is a father to seven sons.
Joel Van Kuiken

Co-Founder
WHY: To translate concepts into semi-autonomous systems, so that others can benefit, grow and have greater social impact.
BIO:
Joel’s professional background is in communications, public relations, digital media and design thinking and he is passionate about helping channel ideas into reality. In 2020 he left his corporate job to dedicate his time to drive the vision of The Delta Project, ensuring its sustainability into the future.
Eric Johnson

Co-Founder
Eric is a founding partner at Gorilla, a nationally recognized creative studio focused on human centered storytelling. His passion for the Delta Project is inspired by his four boys: three adopted and one biological. He is compelled to see the world through their eyes–a lens which has revealed vast inequalities, and which inspires him to advocate for issues of equality.

The Team

Mariel Harmon

Accountant
WHY: To model positive attitudes and actions, so that others are influenced to shift their mindset, make impact, and thrive.
BIO: Mariel is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native who is passionate about using his expertise to support businesses and entrepreneurs. With more than 10 years of accounting experience, he believes in being a forever student which has contributed to his personal development and positive impact supporting others and creating equity.
Shanda Vaughn

Youth Program Facilitator
WHY: To consistently show up with authenticity and care for adults in training, so that they can become the best versions of themselves and make meaningful contributions to society.
BIO: Ms. Shanda is an educator, master facilitator, and youth program consultant. Her professional background includes executing and facilitating programs and/or workshops that empower Adults-in-Training (AiTs) from a holistic perspective.
Caton Vance

Content Strategist, Media Room Director
WHY: To treat others with kindness and recognize their humanity, so that the world becomes a better place where other people’s circumstances are appreciated and improved upon.
BIO: Caton Vance, founder of his own creative agency, blends extensive experience in digital marketing with a knack for storytelling to create impactful brand narratives. As a prolific producer, podcaster, marketer, and writer, Caton brings a rich perspective to his work. When he's not leading his team, he's a dedicated father, often found reading his latest book or enjoying time with his kids.
David Turpen

Editor and Instructor
WHY: To use compassion and storytelling to understand where other people are coming from, so that they can contribute to their own well-being and find value in themselves and in their community.

BIO: David is a Creative Director with more than 12 years of experience in visual storytelling. He possesses a keen eye for concepts, strong creative vision, and strategic mindset. A father of two boys, David is dedicated to building a future they can be proud of.
Bilal Al-Raed

Program and Media Support
WHY: To connect and provide affirmation to people who need my support, so that they’re better able to follow the dreams of their choosing.
BIO: As a poet, speaker, mentor, advocate, and college student, Bilal's story is one of triumph over adversity. Having spent the majority of his teenage years incarcerated, he understands the challenges faced by youth in similar circumstances. He works tirelessly to empower others to find their voices, embrace their strengths, and rewrite their own narratives.

from then to now—

What started as a group of people with a shared vision for a better future is becoming an Instrument for change.

2017

A Shared Vision
A group of people committed to amplifying the stories of students caught in the cycle of incarceration.
2019

Powerful Conversations
The Conversations Project provides kids who are dealing with the juvenile justice system the opportunity to produce and shoot a video production of an interview with a community member. Working closely with professionals, participants learn, practice, and execute roles on an interdisciplinary video production team.
This first series was the catalyst to make The Delta Project more.
2020

501c3 Status
The Delta Project was formally incorporated as a non-profit in September of 2019 and received their 501c3 status in March of 2020. As a non-profit organization The Delta Project created an expanded vision and mission for their work and is currently offering three programs as well as the Delta Project Community Resilience Fund.
2021

Taking Action in Justice Reform
Co-Founder, Cole Williams, was appointed to the Task Force on Juvenile Justice that focused on analyzing our juvenile justice system, while recommending proven practices and strategies for reform grounded in data, research, and fundamental constitutional principles.
2023

What I Know Now Podcast Launches
Our podcast features compelling stories about system-impacted youth, their families, and their communities.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kareem Scales

President
Selma Tucker

Vice President
Amy Lindholm

Secretary
Blythe Kazmierczak

Treasurer
Eric Freeman
Ken Miguel-Cipriano
Gayle DeBruyn
Joseph Belsito
Will Templeton
Stacy McGinnis
Melissa Werkman

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Jordan Murphy
Joe Gamino Kirkhoff
Eric Machiela
Isaac Schultz
Josh Geyer
Tyler Grimm
Tyler Hollman
Grant Floering
Kyle Campbell
Jeff Sukes
Jason Grinde
Eric Heemstra
Jake Weibel
Dani Dillon
Chloe Malmquist
Cameron Versluis
Jason Baker
Dominic Cipolla
Malik Robinson
Calvontae Liptrot

OUR PARTNERS

We wouldn’t be here without the help of our partners. Do you want to help support our mission? Contact Us to learn how.

The Delta PRoject Media Room

Check out our most recent podcast episodes, videos, and articles where we share real stories about lived experiences and updates about our advocacy work inside juvenile justice reform.

Media Room