About the Soulace Project
Removing the barriers that keep individuals and families trapped in poverty.
Why We Exist
The Soulace Project did not begin with a business plan.
It began with two people whose lives took different paths but led them to the same conclusion: too many people remain trapped in poverty not because they lack potential, but because they face barriers that are difficult—or sometimes impossible—to overcome alone.
Danjuma’s journey began with firsthand experience of poverty and limited opportunity. Later, through his work supporting refugees and individuals facing mental health challenges, he witnessed the resilience of people rebuilding their lives while navigating trauma, cultural adjustment, and systems that were often difficult to access.
Joel’s journey began on a small 20-acre dairy farm, where he was raised in a blended family of eight siblings, including two Native American siblings. Those early experiences shaped his belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to build a better future.
That belief led Joel into a career serving others. Over more than two decades working in mental health, crisis intervention, residential treatment, children’s inpatient services, and refugee services, he worked alongside individuals and families facing trauma, mental illness, poverty, disability, displacement, and countless other barriers to stability.
Although our journeys were different, they revealed the same truth: poverty is rarely caused by a single problem. It is often the result of many barriers working together.
Our Mission
The Soulace Project exists to help individuals and families overcome the barriers that keep them trapped in poverty.
We believe lasting change comes through expanding access to opportunity, health, education, meaningful work, and supportive communities.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every person has the opportunity to build a healthy, stable, and meaningful life regardless of the circumstances into which they were born.
We believe poverty can be reduced when communities work together to remove barriers, expand opportunity, and create practical solutions that empower individuals and families to thrive.
Through innovation, collaboration, and compassion, we strive to help build stronger communities and a more hopeful future for generations to come.
The Philosophy That Guides the Soulace Project
Every Person Matters
A person’s value is not determined by success, failure, wealth, intelligence, health, abilities, mistakes, beliefs, or the circumstances into which they were born.
The Human Journey
Every life is a journey. Each of us carries strengths, struggles, hopes, fears, and wounds. Growth begins with awareness.
Healing and Growth
Healing requires honesty and grace. We learn, accept responsibility, repair harm where possible, forgive, receive forgiveness, and continue growing.
Living These Principles
Ideas matter, but actions change lives. Every act of kindness strengthens a community. Every honest conversation builds trust.
Building a Better World
Healthier people build healthier families. Healthier families build stronger communities. Stronger communities create more hopeful societies.
Shared Human Wisdom
Across cultures, philosophies, scientific disciplines, and religions, humanity has discovered principles that help people flourish.
Principles That Guide Us
How We Create Change
The Soulace Project believes that overcoming poverty requires both immediate compassion and long-term solutions.
Meeting Immediate Needs
We support and partner with organizations that provide food, shelter, clothing, emergency assistance, and other essential services.
Building Strategic Partnerships
We collaborate with businesses, nonprofits, healthcare providers, educators, government agencies, foundations, faith communities, and local organizations.
Developing Practical Solutions
We work with partners to develop tools, technology, wellness programs, workforce initiatives, educational resources, and community projects.
Connecting People to Opportunity
We help individuals and families connect with education, healthcare, employment, housing, financial resources, wellness services, and community support.
Investing in Lasting Change
By addressing multiple barriers together, we help create opportunities for lasting independence and stronger futures.
Measuring Success
We measure success by barriers removed, opportunities created, communities strengthened, and lives transformed.
Our Commitment
- Treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect.
- Supporting both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
- Working collaboratively with organizations and communities.
- Developing practical, innovative solutions that reduce barriers.
- Using resources responsibly and remaining accountable.
- Continuously learning, improving, and adapting our work.
- Measuring success by lives improved, opportunities created, and communities strengthened.
Join Our Mission
Together, we can remove barriers, expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.