OUR MISSION
We restore dignity and hope to men in crisis by rebuilding lives, reuniting families and strengthening communities through Christ.
BREAKING CHAINS. RESTORING MEN. REBUILDING FAMILIES.
The Timothy ModEl of Discipleship
Founded in 2010, The Timothy Initiative is named after Timothy—the young leader mentored by the Apostle Paul—because our mission mirrors that same model of discipleship. Timothy was not chosen for perfection, pedigree, or strength, but for his willingness to be taught, built up, and sent out. In the same way, we walk alongside men navigating brokenness, addiction, and high-stakes life transitions, equipping them through intentional discipleship, accountability, and practical support. Our goal is restoration that leads to leadership—healthy men becoming steady fathers, engaged citizens, and purpose-driven leaders in their communities, creating lasting impact in families, churches, and the next generation.
our approach
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
Brad Ewert left a career in accounting to help lead the Timothy Initiative into its next season of growth and impact. He first served on the board in 2023 and transitioned to full-time Executive Director in April 2025. Sensing God’s clear call on his life, Brad stepped into this role out of his deep passion for discipling and encouraging men in their faith. With a shepherd’s heart and a steady commitment to walking alongside others, he loves seeing men discover their identity in Christ and step into lives of purpose and freedom. Brad is also an ordained pastor, bringing both biblical wisdom and practical leadership to the ministry.
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Michael Malpede
Program Manager
Michael serves as Program Manager at the Timothy Initiative, overseeing program operations and accountability. He develops the recovery curriculum, mentors men one-on-one, and directs daily structure in the homes, including intakes, reviews, and coordination with partner facilities.
Mike first came to the Timothy Initiative on May 15, 2015, where he experienced radical life change and found new life in Jesus Christ. More than ten years sober, he joined the staff in 2017 and has since devoted his work to helping men encounter God, break free from addiction, and pursue lasting transformation.
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Jeremy Bogar
Recovery Homes Manager
Jeremy is the Recovery Homes Manager at the Timothy Initiative, overseeing daily operations, resident accountability, and weekly house meetings. He provides one-on-one support to men in recovery while also assisting with the ministry’s administrative needs.
Raised in Denver, he spent 15 years leading customer service teams before relocating to Florida eight years ago. For the past seven years, Jeremy has invested his leadership experience and heart for service into the mission of the Timothy Initiative. He is the proud father of two children, ages 33 and 28.
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Luis Garcia Ramos
Intake and 90-Day Case Manager
Luis serves as an Intake and 90-Day Case Manager at The Timothy Initiative, working closely with men in the early stages of the program. He helps coordinate intakes, identify root causes behind life-controlling issues, and guide men through discipleship, accountability, and foundational life structure rooted in God’s Word.
Luis has a deep passion for helping men break free from addiction, depression, and other life-controlling issues that distort identity and purpose. Having experienced personal transformation through Christ, his heart is to help others move from a stuck mindset into restoration, renewed identity, and a life grounded in truth, freedom, and God’s purpose.
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Luz Cardenas
Executive Assistant
Luz serves as Executive Assistant for Timothy Initiative. She is an award-winning strategist with years of experience in branding, marketing, and business strategy. Her background spans nonprofits, startups, corporate brands, and government, giving her a wide perspective she now brings to the ministry. She counts it a joy to bring creativity and vision to her role, using her skills in service of God’s mission — helping carry forward the daily work of the ministry and supporting its mission of healing and restoration within the community we serve.
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Our board of directors
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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.”
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

