Our Team
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10
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Our Team
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Marcie Evangelist
Executive Director
Marcie began volunteering with Project Purpose in 2014 and served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. She oversees the growth and programs of the organization, supports staff, and develops relationships with our students and their families.
Marcie has a Master’s in Education and Special Ed. Cert. Marcie is a mother to 2 and loves serving the families of Project Purpose
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Martha Shick
Director of Giving & Finance
Martha oversees our fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and finances. Martha has experience working with children through various church ministries. She has 10+ running her own business.
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Martha is certified in levels 1 & 2 of the Brain and Sensory Foundations courses and a part-time student seeking a BS in Psychology. Martha is married with 2 children and she enjoys serving at the after-school homework programs.
Alicia Nelson
Assistant Director
Alicia oversees our programming, including the Discipleship Program, Meal Team, and Summer Theater Club. She also manages the monthly newsletters and media.
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Alicia has extensive experience working with youth and volunteers through her church and various local ministries. She is a mother of four and is passionate about nurturing and investing in young lives
Wendy Kratz
Volunteer Coordinator
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Wendy comes to Project Purpose with a passion to support our volunteers and encouraging each one as they make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families.
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Wendy brings valuable experience as a former teacher, current school board member, and active participant in local ministries.
Alexa Crawford
Project Purpose Assistant
Alexa assists at Project Purpose programming and provides our staff with support with various office work. She began volunteers with Project Purpose in 2017.
Alexa is studying Early Education and getting her masters in Classical Education. Her favorite thing about Project Purpose is seeing God work in the lives of people around her.
Our Volunteers
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140+ individuals
Shared Mission:
Share Christ's Love with students and families of Project Purpose
30+
churches
Hear from our Volunteers:
What is a highlight from volunteering with Project Purpose?
Realizing the need is in our own “backyard” and the joy I have received with connecting with the students.
Annoymous Volunteer Surveyee
"Working in small groups, praying with the children, all the STEAM classes!!!"
Annoymous Volunteer Surveyee
"Watching the joy on my student's face after getting better grades. Also watching and listening to him read the Bible and answer questions."
Annoymous Volunteer Surveyee
"Watching my student grow to trust me more."
Annoymous Volunteer Surveyee
"Seeing a concept my student was struggling with for a while finally click."
Annoymous Volunteer Surveyee
Our Board
Brandy Smale
President
Member Since: 2016
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History with Project Purpose: Brandy began serving as a volunteer in 2011. From the start, she found joy in encouraging the middle school girls of the program. She has worked with the same family of girls since she began serving! Brandy's children served as tutors when they were in high school.
Roberto Calderon
Vice President
Member Since: 2022
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History with Project Purpose: Roberto has served with us a tutor since 2014. My prayer is that God can use me in some small way to lead or point the children of our community to our Savior by serving Him in this ministry.
Erin Wade
Secretary
Member Since: 2016
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History with Project Purpose:
8+ years serving as a tutor.
“I was drawn to the program after working in the Reading School District and seeing the emotional and educational needs of students in that area. I wanted to help those students in my local community, PP was the perfect opportunity to connect with local students.”
Jarret Diettrich
Treasurer
Member Since: 2022
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History with Project Purpose: "Our church hosted a leadership night where they encouraged us to sign up with a volunteer organization of our choice, as a way to go out in the world and share the love of Jesus. Project purpose was one of the options that stood out to me because I liked working with kids. Over the years I’ve grown to love the mission and the kids."
Mark Niehls
Board Member
Member Since: 2016
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History with Project Purpose: "I believe volunteer service is the natural response or outgrowth of my conviction and belief that Christians are called to serve their fellow man expecting nothing in return. If you want to change the world, teach a child."
Maria Benedict
Board Member
Member Since: 2018
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History with Project Purpose: "I have seen the positive impact of Project Purpose on my students and the excitement they get in taking part in the program. I have seen parent relationships strengthened with the school because their child is a part of Project Purpose. I believe in the mission of Project Purpose and am thankful to be a part of this program and a part of spreading God's word."
Sarene Varghese
Board Member
Member Since: 2024
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History with Project Purpose: "I’m honored to serve on the board of Project Purpose, as it aligns with my commitment to driving meaningful change and empowering individuals, particularly through educational initiatives and skill development. The organization’s focus on compassion, integrity, and service resonates deeply with my values, plus it’s a great opportunity to apply my problem-solving skills to a cause I believe in. I look forward to contributing to its continued success and impact and perhaps learning a few new approaches to education along the way!"
Project Purpose is financially supported by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation. The Foundation began supporting us with a $20,000 grant in 2011 and has been faithfully supporting us ever since. We are honored to be a recipient of their grant making.