Project Community Named 2025 Business of the Year

Project Community has been named the 2025 Business of the Year by the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, an honor that reflects more than organizational growth — it represents a story of partnership, shared vision, and the steady work of people who care deeply about families in the River Valley. It is also a story closely connected to the equipping and support provided through Restore Hope, along with the faithful commitment of Project Community’s board, congregation, staff, and supporters across the region.

Founded in 2021 by Matt and Kerry Bewley, Project Community was created with a simple but heartfelt mission: to serve and enrich the diverse families of the River Valley with compassion and generosity. What began as a church-centered outreach effort quickly expanded as more needs surfaced and more community partners stepped in to help. From the beginning, the focus was not just short-term relief, but long-term change — working to break generational cycles of abuse, addiction, and poverty by walking alongside families in practical, relational ways.

As that vision grew, so did the need for stronger structure and deeper collaboration. In 2023, Project Community partnered with Restore Hope to launch the 100 Families Initiative of Johnson County — a pivotal step forward in the work. Through Restore Hope’s model, training, and ongoing support, Project Community gained the framework and tools needed to bring agencies, churches, and volunteers to the same table.

Instead of working separately, partners began coordinating care around each family, removing barriers more quickly, and building clearer paths toward stability. That partnership strengthened and expanded the work Project Community had been building from the start, equipping local leaders and teams to serve families more effectively and sustainably.

Momentum continued to build across the next two years. In 2024, Project Community launched the Smart Justice Services Initiative, using the same collaborative, relationship-driven approach to support justice-involved individuals and improve outcomes through accountability and coordinated services. In 2025, both the 100 Families Initiative and Smart Justice Services Initiative expanded into Franklin County, extending this partnership-based model to serve even more communities across the region.

None of this work happens in isolation. Project Community credits the dedication of its board members, congregation, staff, volunteers, and community supporters for making this impact possible. Their generosity, time, leadership, and behind-the-scenes service form the backbone of every success story and every family served.

Project Community’s three core initiatives — Project Church, 100 Families, and Smart Justice — remain grounded in the values of discipleship, generosity, and community. These values shape how teams serve, how partners collaborate, and how hope is built alongside families.

The Business of the Year recognition highlights what can happen when committed local leadership, engaged community partners, and strong support organizations like Restore Hope work together with purpose.

To learn more about Project Community and its initiatives, visit: https://www.theproject.community/