About Us
The WHY behind Restoring Hope Project
- 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 and addiction 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.