leadership
Joy Sparks - Executive Director
Born and raised in Muskegon, Joy’s passion for working with underserved populations has been evident throughout her career. Following 16 years as a high school teacher in Muskegon Heights and Grand Rapids, she began to volunteer at Muskegon Correctional Facility (MCF). This rewarding and highly effective ministry stoked a fire in her heart for justice-impacted individuals and led her to the role of Michigan Field Director with Prison Fellowship. Based out of Muskegon Correctional Facility, she became familiar with Fresh Coast and referred many men to our program for their reentry journey following incarceration.
Those experiences, combined with her background in education consulting, professional development, leadership strategy, culture creation, and community engagement have uniquely prepared her to lead Fresh Coast in serving our friends coming out of incarceration and addiction. Joy is married and has three amazing children.
Nate Johnson
The vision to serve formerly incarcerated individuals was formed during Nate’s own 12 ½ years of confinement. Time, and time again, Nate saw people return to prison. It was in these moments that Nate knew that he needed to set his focus on serving those returning home, by offering solutions to a broken system, thus eliminating the revolving door for individuals so desperately seeking a fresh start.
Jennifer Juhasz
Jen’s criminal justice education and extensive experience in all areas of offender population services fueled her desire to be significantly engaged at Fresh Coast Alliance. Jen facilitates a variety of interpersonal relationship focused class and provides employment readiness. Additionally, she has been a West Michigan small business owner and remains active in several Lakeshore civic organizations. Her understanding of the population served, employment partners, and nonprofit excellence is a blessing to FCA.
Candy Gibson
Candy’s passion for underserved communities began at a young age and was fostered during her 16 years with World Impact as a church planter, youth pastor, and Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. She attended Moody Bible Institute where she earned a degree in Urban Ministry. She loves to write about the church, singleness, dating, and urban issues. When not in the office she enjoys coffee, art, making jewelry, and living near Lake Michigan.
board of directors
Rick Cramblet - Chair
President - Brite Consulting
Dave Horne - Vice Chair
Spiritual Director Winning at Home
Lynnette Bloomberg - Treasurer
Retired Business Owner, The Noble Company, Women’s Division
Ashley Briggs
City of Muskegon Government, Economic Development Office
Robert Bulten
Retired Primary Care Physician, Medical Director for Humanity For Prisoners
DJ Hilson
Chief County Prosecutor for Muskegon County
Sherri Casey
Muskegon Jail Chaplain and volunteer
Tim Start
Insurance Owner/Agent
Norman Young
Muskegon ISD and Project Fatherhood Coordinator