GET TO KNOW THE CEO

Reverend Samuel Spruill

I was born in Plymouth, North Carolina, into a family of ministers—my father was a preacher and my uncle a minister. From an early age, I was immersed in the life of the church and its ministries. At the age of 28, I embraced my own calling to ministry, with a particular passion for prison ministry. For more than thirty years, I have served as a Jail and Prison Minister, committed to uplifting and supporting individuals during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

My service has extended beyond the prison walls into the community. I am currently the Community Outreach Minister for Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, and previously served for twelve years as a board member for Covenant Community Care Clinic. Today, I serve as the President and CEO of HOPE, an organization dedicated to helping currently- and formerly-incarcerated individuals successfully transition back into the community.

I am blessed to share this journey with my wife, Roberta Spruill, our two children, Samuel Jr. and Shemeka, and our granddaughter, Savannah Ray.

Our Board

Ethelyn Carroll

Board Member

MSHR

I am a passionate community leader in the city of Detroit. Having earned a master’s degree in Human Resources, I had a long and successful career in the insurance industry. I am a Board Member for H.O.P.E. and president of the United Block Club Council. Also, I am a co-founder of the Midwest Community Business Association and a board member with My Community Speaks.

Pastor Johnny Harrison

Vice Chairman

I have volunteered at H.O.P.E. since its inception as a mentor to the Formerly Incarcerated. Additionally, I am the Pastor at Inkster Springhill Missionary Baptist church in Inkster, MI. I consistently work to implement the mission of the church strategically achieving spiritual and organizational goals. Also, retired from the United States Postal Service after forty years.

Shirley Tolliver

Lawrence Washington

Secretary

ABA, BA

I am a longtime education advocate and social activist. Guided by my passion for serving our children, my motto is "working towards a better education today for brighter children tomorrow." I currently hold the position of President of the South Redford Board of Education. Further, I work as a precinct delegate, where I register people to vote and keep them informed of civic information.

Lawrence Washington

Dorlester "Dottie" Sharp

Lawrence Washington

Board Member

BSE

As a retired General Motors Engineer, I have always felt passionate about uplifting people of all ages and backgrounds. I have devoted the last 10 years as a Board Member for H.O.P.E. and also serve as a Board Member Berkshire Estates at Heritage Village Condo Assoc. Additionally, I serve as a Board Member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in the Bus Ministry, Men & Boys Ministry, and Autumn Fellowship volunteer (deliver meals on wheels for the elderly).

Amanda Johnson

Dorlester "Dottie" Sharp

Treasurer

MA, CLA, CCHW

I have over 20 years experience advancing effective community partnerships to promote and articulate the goals of disenfranchised and underserved families. I have served as a coordinating and convening agent in listening sessions and policy dialogues and have assumed an advocacy role in public policy arenas that strengthen community life. I am a professional writer and have published work with Urban Ministries, Moody Publishers, and Christianity Today.

Dorlester "Dottie" Sharp

Chairman