how it began…

The Timothy Initiative was founded in 2010 by George Wood. After his personal struggles with addiction, mental health, and suicide attempts, he set out with a mission to walk alongside other men and introduce a new way of life through Jesus.

With the support of the Underground Network, the Timothy Initiative formed. The name “Timothy Initiative” comes from the relationship in scripture between Paul and Timothy. Paul worked side by side with Timothy mentoring and equipping him. Timothy was given the tools and direction to continue to share the message of Jesus Christ. Our community is sustained by men who have been experienced this transformation sharing their story and investing in the next guy.

our approach

  • DISCIPLESHIP

    The beginning of the discipleship process centers on our identity as a “new creation.” Our men enter into an authentic and life-alterting relationship with jesus through prayer, studying scripture, journaling, worship, mentorship and service. These disciplines are the heart of this core pillar.

  • community

    We believe that lasting recovery only happens within community. The battle to overcome years of destructive behavior is not fought alone. We live together, eat together and work together. We celebrate victories and mourn losses together. By fostering an environment of accountability and encouragement, our community is a source of life and way to Jesus - not just a roof over someone’s head.

  • Recovery

    Our mission centers on seeing restoration in men seeking recovery from addition, homelessness, depression and incarceration by providing a comprehensive approach to addressing every need of a man - spiritual, mental and relational.

  • work therapy

    God created us to participate in His creation by working and He blesses us with dignity when we answer that calling. Work teaches trust and responsibility. Working together reinforces our relationship as one body, striving toward a common goal.

our homes

Our Journey Homes offer affordable sober living in the heart of Tampa.

We strive to provide a safe and stable place for men to live connected to other brothers and supporting them in their journey. Men in our journey homes must have regular employment or be on a fixed income to qualify.

Please contact Mike@TimothyInitiative.org for more information and availability.

recovery home

Our recovery home serves as the program house, offering stable, accountable sober housing for men at risk of experiencing homelessness. Participants are encouraged to commit to a one-year stay, though the program remains open-ended to accommodate individual needs.

During the week, men engage in Work Therapy partnerships and take part in various recovery-focused activities, including in-house recovery meetings, weekly Bible studies, morning devotionals, local church involvement, mentoring, and community service.

The program is designed to support holistic healing and restoration—physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

journey homes

our team

 

Brad Ewert

Executive Director 

TI Staff

Brad has spent the majority of his career in Corporate Accounting ranging from GL, Consolidation, and Capex accounting. He and  his wife Heidi and two sons live in the Tampa area. He dedicates his free time to serve others in the community with a heart and passion for helping men move from where they are to where God wants them to be. He believes that there is no greater joy that one can seek than that of seeing another man restored to peace and grace through Christ Jesus. The Timothy Initiative’s mission aligns closely with his own story of redemption and is therefore close to his heart.

  • David Corby

    Recovery Home Manager

  • Tad Duncan

    Recovery Home Manager

  • Michael Malpede

    Recovery Home Manager 

  • Jeremy Bogar

    Recovery Home Manager

TI board of directors

  • Ernie Sampera

    Board chair 

    Ernie has over 30 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications industry. His background spans several disciplines with experience, from Sales Leadership roles to CMO roles and, lastly as co-founder of a co-location company (recently sold). He and his wife Samantha and family have made Tampa their home for over 15 years. My focus has been on issues that matter most to me and our family regarding addiction. It impacts the family’s well-being tremendously. Bringing this focus with my faith as an integral healing process for my family – I was blessed with an opportunity to contribute through TI. This is my journey to pave a forward path with God and Christ as my shining light.

  • Michael Maddux

    Assistant Board Chair

    Mr. Maddux is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer who practices personal injury and civil rights litigation as well. In his nearly 30 years of practice, he’s had the good fortune of helping Timothy initiative men surmount legal hurdles. His love of Jesus inspires him to help bring “freedom to the captives“. Whether it be men struggling with homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges, we are called to serve. For Michael, TI provides a powerful way to make a difference. You can learn more about Michael and at his firm’s website www.madduxattorneys.com

  • Chris Curran

    Secretary 

    Born and raised in Pinellas County, and now residing in Tampa, Chris Curran brings a strong local understanding to his role as a board member with The Timothy Initiative. While Chris has built a successful real estate career defined by passion, honesty, and integrity – from institutional acquisitions to his current work with The Paul DeSantis Group at Premier Sotheby's International Realty  – his commitment to The Timothy Initiative is deeply personal. Having witnessed his sister's struggles with addiction, Chris is driven by a profound desire to see men find hope and recovery.

  • Dan Beckwith

    Treasurer

    Dan has spent his entire career post grad shool in Commercial and Corporate Banking.  He currently is the Middle Market Leader for the State of Florida for SouthState Bank.  Dan has previously served as Treasuer for other organizations prior to joining the Board.  He and his wife have a thirteen year old daughter and a ten year old son, and reside in South Tampa.  Dan is passionate about helping the Timothy Initiative scale and strive so that it can reach more members of the community.  He believes in the message and the power of the Gospel to help people restore their lives in Christ.

  • Alisa Rehn

    Board Member

    Alisa is originally from Florida and has lived in 2 states and now up to 3 countries. She has been working in administration and customer service for the past 14 years with a high focus on administration as ministry for the past 9 years. Alisa has served administratively with ministries such as Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Underground Network and the National Christian Fellowship, empowering people in their calling and serving others to see their goals accomplished. She now works for COhatch helping with operations in the Tampa Bay area. Having family members who have fought for sobriety has highlighted the importance of programs like the Timothy Initiative and the resources they provide for those who want it.

  • Will Barrett

    Board Member

    Will was a part of the original team that started the Timothy Initiative alongside George Wood. At the time, he was a USF student with a passion for helping those affected by homelessness. He has since graduated with degrees in Economics and Finance and he is now on his third start-up venture. He is now the VP of Content at Threshold 360, a tech startup based in Tampa. He lives in the neighborhood and loves connecting with our men when he's not chasing around his son, Liam.

  • Paula Ley

    Board Member 

    Pastor Paula Ley  (BTh) comes to the Timothy Initiative with a diverse ministry background of leading various ministries around the globe for the past 33 years. Her greatest passion other than making disciples, is helping kingdom-minded organizations to be all that they can be to build up God’s Body for God’s glory. Paula currently serves on the Senior Leadership Team at Radiant Church, as well as ministering alongside her husband Doug with Serving Beyond Borders. 

  • Doug Ley

    Board Member

    Dr. Doug Ley (ThM, DMin) is the president of Serving Beyond Borders, an Evangelical, Spirit-filled ministry that seeks to empower cross-cultural workers and nationals to glorify God by making disciples who make disciples. Doug has 33 years of full-time ministry experience living both nationally and overseas as a pastor and seminary professor. He currently serves internationally working in theological and leadership training, and when he is not traveling, also serves a thriving local Tampa church.

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