At potential,
not at risk.
Language shapes what people are able to see. Delta starts with a different assumption: young people are not problems to solve. They are people with strengths, histories, relationships, choices, and futures. Our job is to help make possibility visible and support easier to reach.
Section Styles split-dark-blue-white
How do I
become
something
I don’t see?
From this simple, yet powerful question—the Delta Project was formed.
In 2017, a student in detention asked Cole Williams a question that would become central to The Delta Project: “How do I become something I don’t see?” Delta grew from that question and from a belief that young people need more than advice about the future. They need relationships, examples, language, opportunity, and a real place in shaping the story of who they can become.
Our Values
change_history Relationships
People should come before programs
Trust is not a prerequisite young people have to bring with them. It is something we build over time. We show up, listen, stay honest, and keep making room for relationship when things get complicated.
change_history Advocacy
Experience should inform systems
The people most affected by the juvenile justice system should not be an afterthought in conversations about reform. Delta works to bring lived experience, family perspective, and community knowledge closer to the decisions that shape young people’s lives.
change_history Story
No one is only their worst moment
Files, headlines, and courtrooms can flatten a person quickly. Story gives people room to be complicated: accountable and growing, hurt and healing, uncertain and still becoming.
At The Delta Project, we’re working to flip the narrative.
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“If a young person is involved with the justice system, something is wrong with them.”
The experience of a young person is larger than their case file. Context, trusted relationships, and opportunities matter.
“Most people look at kids locked up as ‘bad,’ but ain’t nobody ever asked me what was really going on at home or in my life. Nobody wants to be angry all the time.”
– Nick Williams -
“Fathers don’t care.”
Fatherhood is more complicated than a stereotype. Many fathers are negotiating the responsibilities of showing up, providing, and staying connected.
“I didn’t have a dad, so I didn’t know if I’d be the wrong dad or fail. But when my daughter came, I knew I couldn’t let time get taken away from her. ... I used to think if I just worked, I was being a good dad, but it’s my love and presence she needs most.”
– Anthony Flakes -
“Accountability and support are opposites.”
A caring relationship can make room for responsibility, honest conversations, and sustained support at the same time.
“People think accountability means being tough, but as a staff we need to ask: Do you know why you’re mad? Let’s talk about it. ... Sometimes we just have to say, I see you’re angry, but I’m here. That’s support and accountability.”
– Indu Wilson -
“Adults already know what young people need.”
Young people need meaningful influence over decisions affecting their lives, not only adults speaking on their behalf.
“Children are an oppressed class. Adults don’t always know better. ... If this is the youth justice system, why are we surrounded by adults? Teen Court puts agency in the hands of youth—and they succeed in holding each other accountable.”
– Cayden Brown
The people closest to the work help shape the work.
Delta is built by people with different kinds of expertise: lived experience, mentorship, education, operations, media, advocacy, research, and community relationships.
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Cole Williams
Executive Director & Co-Founder
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.
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Joel Van Kuiken
Co-Founder
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.
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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.
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Mariel Harmon
Accountant
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.
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Shanda Vaughn
Program Director
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.
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Caton Vance
Content Strategist, Media Room Director
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.
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David Turpen
Creative Marketing Specialist & Administrative Operations Coordinator
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.
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Renee Odle
Administrative Operations Director
Renee Odle is a strategic leader with expertise in business development, operations management, and process optimization. With experience across global firms and startups, she specializes in designing scalable systems, improving workflows, and implementing strategies that drive long-term growth.
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Amia Hall
Executive Administrative Coordinator
Amia Hall combines servant leadership with a strong presence and attention to detail. With a commitment to justice-involved youth and those facing mental health challenges, she ensures daily operations run smoothly through clarity, coordination, and care. Grounded in trauma-informed practices, Amia believes in showing up with consistency and empathy, helping to reimagine how we support youth and families.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Kareem Scales
President
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Selma Tucker
Vice President
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Kevin White
Secretary
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Ken Miguel-Cipriano
Member
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Melissa Werkman
Member
OUR VOLUNTEERS
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Jordan Murphy
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Joe Gamino Kirkhoff
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Eric Machiela
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Isaac Schultz
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Josh Geyer
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Tyler Grimm
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Tyler Hollman
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Grant Floering
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Kyle Campbell
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Jeff Sukes
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Jason Grinde
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Eric Heemstra
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Jake Weibel
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Dani Dillon
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Chloe Malmquist
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Cameron Versluis
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Jason Baker
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Dominic Cipolla
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Malik Robinson
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Calvontae Liptrot
where we serve
Rooted in West Michigan. Working toward change across Michigan.
The Delta Project began in Grand Rapids and remains grounded in the relationships built here. As our partnerships and advocacy work grow, we are also helping connect local experience to broader conversations about youth justice across Michigan.
“Delta’s direct youth and family work is based in West Michigan, but our advocacy and training shapes systems statewide. In the last year, we’ve been in Kent, Wayne, and New York counties through direct or partner work.”
Show up in the way that fits.
Start where you are. Ask for support. Refer someone you care about. Fund the work. Share a story. Become a mentor. Build something with us.