About Us

• Restoring Hope Project was founded by Michael and Erin Thompson, who felt a deep calling, rooted in their own life experiences, to help individuals impacted by incarceration rebuild their lives. Guided by their faith and a desire to follow God's lead, they created Restoring Hope Project as a platform to bring healing, support, and opportunity to those seeking a fresh start.
• The need for such an initiative is urgent and undeniable. According to the Arizona Department of Corrections Annual Report, the state’s prison population is approximately 42,000 individuals. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of those released from prison will return within three years. This revolving door is often fueled by unaddressed struggles with substance use, as 60%-80% of incarcerated individuals report battling addiction (www.azcorrections.gov).
• Furthermore, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), relapse rates for individuals recovering from substance use disorders range between 40%-60% within the first year after treatment (www.drugabuse.gov). These statistics underscore the critical need for comprehensive programs that address both the challenges of reintegration and the underlying issues of addiction.
• Restoring Hope Project seeks to bridge this gap, offering mentorship, education, and community-driven support to break cycles of incarceration and addiction. Our goal is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives, restore their dignity, and unlock their full potential as thriving, purpose-driven members of society. We believe in second chances and are committed to being a beacon of hope for those on their journey toward transformation.

Michael was born and raised in Arizona, where he grew up surrounded by many challenges. From a young age, he faced influences that steered him toward a difficult path. When he was just 13 years old, he met Erin, who would later become his wife and a key source of hope and inspiration in his life. Despite this positive connection, Michael fell into the trap of gangs, violence, and drug involvement during his teenage years and early adulthood.

By the time he was 21, Michael’s choices led to a harsh consequence: he was sentenced to 20+ years in prison. This sentence marked a turning point in his life. Prison was not just a place of punishment but also a space for reflection and transformation. Throughout his incarceration, Michael wrestled with his past mistakes and the pain they caused to himself, his family, and the community.

Most importantly, Michael found faith in God, which became the foundation of his personal transformation. With God’s guidance and strength, he committed himself to change. His journey of redemption gave him a new purpose: to help others who are trapped in similar cycles of hardship and poor choices. He knew that his own experiences could serve as a beacon of hope for those struggling with gang involvement, addiction, and incarceration.

Now, Michael is dedicated to turning his life into a testament of God’s power to restore and use broken lives for good. His ultimate goal is to support and empower people like him to rebuild their lives and make positive contributions to society. necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

Erin was born and raised in Arizona. Her path first crossed with Michael’s when she was just 12 years old. They quickly became close, forming a strong bond during teen years. However, as they grew older, life took them in different directions. Erin struggled with drug use in her teenage years, but through determination and grace, she was able to turn her life around.

During this time of transformation, Erin made the decision to follow Christ. She found healing and restoration through His forgiveness and loving kindness. Her faith journey brought her a sense of purpose and peace that she had never experienced before. She went on to earn a college degree and build a successful career, yet her heart always remained focused on helping young people avoid the pain and brokenness she had once endured.

Erin spent many years volunteering in her church’s youth programs, mentoring young girls and sharing her story of redemption. Her passion was rooted in a desire to prevent others from falling into the same traps she had encountered in her youth.

Years later, when Erin and Michael reconnected, it was clear to both of them that God was orchestrating their reunion. They realized they shared a deep, God-given passion to serve individuals who had walked through struggles similar to their own. Erin is especially devoted to supporting not only those reentering society after incarceration but also their families—helping them understand what their loved ones are going through and how to walk alongside them with love, patience, and hope.