OUR MISSION
The mission of The Encouragement Project
is to provide unique and purposeful opportunities
to serve and encourage people in need in Jesus' name
is to provide unique and purposeful opportunities
to serve and encourage people in need in Jesus' name
OUR HOPE
It is our hope that through this ministry you will find encouragement to use the God-give gifts you have been given in ways that honor the Lord. We strive to provide a place of rest from worldly expectation, and present a change of perspective on what life following Jesus can be.
We are all created differently, with different abilities and capacities for action and knowledge. And we are all uniquely special and valued by our Creator, the one true God. Our heart is to see people encouraged to know and love Jesus more - for out of that life flows service, action, and rest. God gives abundantly good gifts, and walks faithfully with those who believe in Him - through rough storms and beautifully clear weather. We pray you will look to Him in all that you do.
We are all created differently, with different abilities and capacities for action and knowledge. And we are all uniquely special and valued by our Creator, the one true God. Our heart is to see people encouraged to know and love Jesus more - for out of that life flows service, action, and rest. God gives abundantly good gifts, and walks faithfully with those who believe in Him - through rough storms and beautifully clear weather. We pray you will look to Him in all that you do.
OUR VISION
The vision of The Encouragement Project is to reach
just one person in practical ways with the deep encouragement
and love of Jesus. And then just one more...
just one person in practical ways with the deep encouragement
and love of Jesus. And then just one more...
OUR PEOPLE
STAFF
STEPHANIE CERVANTES - CEO, Founder
After lots of prayer, planning, and God fermenting the idea for close to ten years, Stephanie founded The Encouragement Project (TEP) in 2015. With a love of crochet (passed down from her grandmother), a love of writing (discovered while serving as a missionary in Europe for seven years), and a heart for helping and encouraging others (which the Lord has deepened over time), she began TEP with just two projects (and a journal full of other ideas). It has been a joy for Stephanie to see how God has grown this effort to include more ways of blessing others with His help, and seeing more people who are involved. Stephanie attends Grace Chapel church, and most loves learning more about Jesus, spending time with her husband and two children, encouraging and helping people, gardening, and long walks.
After lots of prayer, planning, and God fermenting the idea for close to ten years, Stephanie founded The Encouragement Project (TEP) in 2015. With a love of crochet (passed down from her grandmother), a love of writing (discovered while serving as a missionary in Europe for seven years), and a heart for helping and encouraging others (which the Lord has deepened over time), she began TEP with just two projects (and a journal full of other ideas). It has been a joy for Stephanie to see how God has grown this effort to include more ways of blessing others with His help, and seeing more people who are involved. Stephanie attends Grace Chapel church, and most loves learning more about Jesus, spending time with her husband and two children, encouraging and helping people, gardening, and long walks.
MARTIN CERVANTES - Donation Management
As a handyman/painter by trade, Martin has many talents that have served this ministry in many ways over the years. He is currently on staff as manager of the ever growing number of donations - both in and out. Martin loves sharing about Jesus with everyone he meets, and spending time with his family. He attends Grace Chapel church.
As a handyman/painter by trade, Martin has many talents that have served this ministry in many ways over the years. He is currently on staff as manager of the ever growing number of donations - both in and out. Martin loves sharing about Jesus with everyone he meets, and spending time with his family. He attends Grace Chapel church.
BOARD
DR. SHERRY TAYLOR - Board Chair
Dr. Sherry Taylor is a board-certified OBGYN and Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She specializes in women’s health at Alpha Omega OBGYN in Alpharetta, GA, and was recently awarded “Top Doctor in Atlanta” for the third year in a row. Sherry is involved with many charitable organizations, and has faithfully supported The Encouragement Project since the beginning. She is excited to provide additional support, encouragement, and leadership as a member of the board. Sherry also enjoys traveling, water sports, spectator sports (especially Auburn/War Eagle events), art, music, and ballroom dancing. She attends church in North Atlanta, and has one daughter. Sherry has served on the board since February 2023.
Dr. Sherry Taylor is a board-certified OBGYN and Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She specializes in women’s health at Alpha Omega OBGYN in Alpharetta, GA, and was recently awarded “Top Doctor in Atlanta” for the third year in a row. Sherry is involved with many charitable organizations, and has faithfully supported The Encouragement Project since the beginning. She is excited to provide additional support, encouragement, and leadership as a member of the board. Sherry also enjoys traveling, water sports, spectator sports (especially Auburn/War Eagle events), art, music, and ballroom dancing. She attends church in North Atlanta, and has one daughter. Sherry has served on the board since February 2023.
WENDY HATFIELD - Board Vice-Chairman
After retiring from a career in nursing in 2017, Wendy has become a prolific volunteer. She serves at the Cherokee Family Violence Center, with Cards for Soldiers, and is a long-time volunteer/advocate for animals, pet rescues, and animal shelters. As a member of Waleska Methodist Church, Wendy also serves as Chair of Outreach and sits on the Church Council. She started an annual Great Day of Service for the church, along with numerous monthly volunteer opportunities, blood drives, and educational classes. In her “spare time,” she enjoys gardening and just being outside. She and her husband Brian have two sons. Wendy has served on the TEP board since February 2023.
After retiring from a career in nursing in 2017, Wendy has become a prolific volunteer. She serves at the Cherokee Family Violence Center, with Cards for Soldiers, and is a long-time volunteer/advocate for animals, pet rescues, and animal shelters. As a member of Waleska Methodist Church, Wendy also serves as Chair of Outreach and sits on the Church Council. She started an annual Great Day of Service for the church, along with numerous monthly volunteer opportunities, blood drives, and educational classes. In her “spare time,” she enjoys gardening and just being outside. She and her husband Brian have two sons. Wendy has served on the TEP board since February 2023.
SUE DODD - Board Secretary
Originally from the northeast, Sue lived and worked in all corners of the US before settling in north Georgia. Sue’s work and volunteer experiences have included clinical dental (for those with special needs, cancer patients, and seniors), program and resource development for national oral health initiatives, partnership building, oral health training (for providers in group homes, dental/hygiene schools, and community health centers), oral health advocacy, and philanthropic consulting. Since retiring in 2021, Sue has happily expanded her nonprofit world, serves on the Outreach committee at Waleska Methodist Church, and is active in several clubs in her community, including cooking and gardening. Sue and her husband have two children and four grandchildren. She has served on the board since June 2024.
Originally from the northeast, Sue lived and worked in all corners of the US before settling in north Georgia. Sue’s work and volunteer experiences have included clinical dental (for those with special needs, cancer patients, and seniors), program and resource development for national oral health initiatives, partnership building, oral health training (for providers in group homes, dental/hygiene schools, and community health centers), oral health advocacy, and philanthropic consulting. Since retiring in 2021, Sue has happily expanded her nonprofit world, serves on the Outreach committee at Waleska Methodist Church, and is active in several clubs in her community, including cooking and gardening. Sue and her husband have two children and four grandchildren. She has served on the board since June 2024.
TARA HAYES - Board Treasurer
Tara serves as Director of Communications at West Park Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, where she oversees various forms of outreach channels (printed materials, social media, video and audio production). She is also a gifted graphic designer, and has previous experience in the interior design field. When she isn’t working or serving at the church, Tara loves to travel, try new recipes and to go antiquing with her husband, Matthew. She attends West Park Baptist Church, and her ultimate desire for all believers is to see them growing in their relationship with God, actively engaged in His work, and spreading His love to fellow believers and surrounding communities. Tara joined the board in June 2024.
Tara serves as Director of Communications at West Park Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, where she oversees various forms of outreach channels (printed materials, social media, video and audio production). She is also a gifted graphic designer, and has previous experience in the interior design field. When she isn’t working or serving at the church, Tara loves to travel, try new recipes and to go antiquing with her husband, Matthew. She attends West Park Baptist Church, and her ultimate desire for all believers is to see them growing in their relationship with God, actively engaged in His work, and spreading His love to fellow believers and surrounding communities. Tara joined the board in June 2024.
ADVISORY BOARD
JULIE SWANGER - advisory board member
Julie is a Senior Portfolio Advisor for Northern Trust (effective January 2023), offering holistic wealth management services for individuals, families, privately-held businesses, foundations and endowments. When Julie first saw TEP’s direction toward supporting and uplifting often overlooked community members, she was inspired to help fulfill the mission by offering her business perspective. Julie currently resides in Sarasota, Florida, is mom to two college-aged daughters who are “the light of my life,” and attends South Shore Community Church. She served on the TEP board for three years (2020-2022).
Julie is a Senior Portfolio Advisor for Northern Trust (effective January 2023), offering holistic wealth management services for individuals, families, privately-held businesses, foundations and endowments. When Julie first saw TEP’s direction toward supporting and uplifting often overlooked community members, she was inspired to help fulfill the mission by offering her business perspective. Julie currently resides in Sarasota, Florida, is mom to two college-aged daughters who are “the light of my life,” and attends South Shore Community Church. She served on the TEP board for three years (2020-2022).
SARAH GRAVES - advisory board member, project development
During her career, Sarah worked as a paralegal, preschool teacher, classroom paraprofessional, office manager, and bookkeeper. When she retired, she felt the only thing missing from her “retirement chapter” was the “giving back” piece. That’s when she and TEP found each other. In addition to the various ways she serves with TEP, Sarah enjoys traveling, Bible studies, swimming, knitting, reading, and gardening. Sarah and her husband live in Alpharetta, Georgia, are members of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, and have two grown sons. She served on the board for three years (2018-2020).
During her career, Sarah worked as a paralegal, preschool teacher, classroom paraprofessional, office manager, and bookkeeper. When she retired, she felt the only thing missing from her “retirement chapter” was the “giving back” piece. That’s when she and TEP found each other. In addition to the various ways she serves with TEP, Sarah enjoys traveling, Bible studies, swimming, knitting, reading, and gardening. Sarah and her husband live in Alpharetta, Georgia, are members of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, and have two grown sons. She served on the board for three years (2018-2020).
VOLUNTEERS
We are deeply grateful for ALL those who serve the Lord through this ministry and volunteer in a wide variety of ways - knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, sorting/labeling items, folding/decorating/filling gifts, donating/processing books, washing/packing stuffed animals, running a drive, writing, editing, packing, delivering, planning, creating...etc! Whew! In fact, our volunteers have spent over 68,200 hours helping, serving, and encouraging over 57,000 people thus far! We are so grateful that God has brought those who are a part of these efforts together, and we would love to have you join us!
If you would like to volunteer with any of our current projects,
or be a part of our donor giving team,
let us know!
or be a part of our donor giving team,
let us know!