Who We Are
We are a dedicated group of individuals who have given our lives to recovery. We are people who want nothing more than to help those who need it. We are people who have operated, for the majority of our lives, in the darkness of addiction. We have experienced homelessness and incarceration. We are people who have victimized and harmed others in our communities. We are also people who have worked hard to become better people. We no longer allow our pasts to define us. We looked at our pasts and learned from them. We understand today that the only way for us to continue down this road is to be of service to others and help those who need it.
Our Team
Executive Director
Joshua Fuss
Sober Date: 2/12/2019
After 24 years of battling addiction and incarceration, Josh Fuss made a life-changing decision in 2019 to turn his life around. Over the past five years, he has devoted himself to supporting individuals facing addiction, homelessness, and justice involvement. As Executive Director of Just Hope, Josh is driven by his mission to give hope and save lives, empowering others to believe in the possibility of a new path forward.
Operations Director
Jon Heise
Sober Date: 6/4/21
Jon Heise spent years caught in a cycle of addiction and incarceration, bouncing between county jails and accumulating new charges. His turning point came in the IMC (Inmates Motivated to Change) program at Dakota County Jail, where he embraced recovery and committed to transforming his future. Now, as Director of Operations at Just Hope, Jon is dedicated to guiding others through the steps he took to rebuild his life. He believes true character is defined not by the past, but by the service we give to others, creating a better future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Outreach Director
David "Angel" Swadner
Sober Date: 1/17/22
Angel Swadner’s recovery journey began after years of battling addiction and facing legal challenges, including incarceration. Following his last arrest in January 2022, Angel made the decision to achieve sobriety. Angel is passionate about connecting with struggling addicts and incarcerated individuals, offering them support and hope for a brighter future. His mission is to reach as many people as possible and inspire change through his work with the organization.
Our Board of Directors
President
Anthony Byrnes
Sobriety Date: 10/9/2014
Anthony Byrne, a person in long-term recovery, is passionate about using his lived experience to support individuals facing addiction, navigating the justice system, and rebuilding their lives. Committed to bridging the gap between the justice system and the SUD field, Anthony is proud to partner with Just Hope to create pathways to recovery and reintegration through integrity, innovation, and dedication.
Co-President
Phil Rumble
Sobriety Date: 1/26/2007
Phil Rumble is a person in long-term recovery from drugs and alcohol who understands the challenges of reentering society after involvement in the judicial system. As a member of the Board of Directors at Just Hope, Phil is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to long-term recovery and helping them overcome barriers to find their place in the community.
Treasurer
Jacob Driskell
Sobriety Date: 7/13/2020
As a person in long-term recovery, Jacob Driscoll understands the challenges and steps required to achieve lasting change. He recognizes that Just Hope is essential for building a stronger recovery community. Committed to breaking stigmas surrounding justice involvement and homelessness, Jacob is passionate about helping individuals find their own path to healthy recovery through the support and guidance Just Hope provides.
Secretary
Kimberly Bestler-Fuss
Sobriety Date: 5/6/2019
Kimberly has experienced and witnessed loved ones affected by barriers to employment, housing, and resources, in addition to the social stigma and discrimination that comes with substance use and incarceration. The work that Just Hope seeks to accomplish strongly aligns with her values of advocacy for formerly incarcerated folks and people seeking recovery from substance use.
Board Member
Rosie Benser
Sobriety Date: 3/8/2019
Rosie supports Just Hope because individuals at the intersection of the justice system and substance use disorder often face significant challenges and deserve compassionate support. Just Hope provides that support, offering peer-led services that make recovery possible and transformative.
Building a reliable recovery network through meaningful peer-to-peer relationships.
© 2024 Just Hope. Dedicated to Saving Lives and Giving Hope.