Rebuilding the walls of our community, one family at a time.

Pastor Jim graduated from Youth Challenge International Bible Institute in 1990 at which time he continued on staff as the Development Director and as a member of the faculty. In 1992, he also received his BS in Social services from Springfield College. Jim and his wife, Pennie, pioneered "The Nehemiah Project," a Christian drug and alcohol outreach in 1991 that now serves as a community redevelopment organization serving the Altoona area. Their son, Dominic, passed away in 2013. Their daughter Toni who is married to Eric Mercer. They have a granddaughter, Carsyn and a grandson, Liam.

Heather Manges serves as the Executive Director of The Nehemiah Project, where she combines her passion for faith, leadership, and community transformation. With over 25 years of corporate leadership experience managing large teams and more than $100 million in annual sales, Heather brings extensive experience in building systems, developing leaders, improving operations, and creating sustainable growth. As the founder of Titus 2 Ministry, Choice Journey Coaching & Consulting, and a certified Maxwell Leadership speaker, coach, and trainer, Heather is passionate about helping individuals, organizations, and communities discover their purpose and reach their full potential. She coaches business and ministry leaders, helping them scale their organizations by evaluating systems, strengthening processes, uncovering root causes that may be limiting growth, and implementing practical strategies that create lasting results. Heather is actively engaged in strengthening the Blair County community. She serves on the Blair County Chamber's WE-LEaD Committee, is a member of the Blair Chapter of BNI, serves as Secretary of the local Business & Professional Women (BPW) organization, volunteers as a Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) mentor, and serves as a facilitator at CPDLF, equipping students with leadership and life skills. Through The Nehemiah Project, Heather works to build partnerships, develop leaders, and create programs that restore hope, strengthen families, and transform lives. She believes growth is a decision, transformation is a choice, and every person was created with purpose. When she's not serving her community, Heather's greatest joy is spending time with her family. She loves being a wife, a mother to her four children, and "Nana" to her four beautiful grandchildren, who continually remind her of the importance of investing in future generations. Whether leading an organization, coaching a business owner, mentoring a future leader, or serving her community, Heather is committed to helping people move from surviving to thriving—building stronger families, stronger leaders, and stronger communities. Through every opportunity, she strives to live out The Nehemiah Project's mission of Building Families, Faith, and Future.

Betsy serves as the Program Director at The Nehemiah Project, where she provides leadership for Kids Konnect and the T2M Academy while helping develop and expand new programs that strengthen individuals and families throughout our community. Her passion for children began at an early age. As the youngest in her family, Betsy became an aunt at just nine years old. Those early experiences caring for her nieces sparked a calling that would shape the course of her life. By the end of high school, she knew her future would be centered on serving children and families. She earned a bachelor's degree with a double major in Social Sciences and Elementary Education and has dedicated nearly 45 years to education, creating safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping every child feel valued, encouraged, and equipped to reach their full potential. Today, Betsy oversees the Kids Konnect Summer and Afterschool Programs, where she helps create engaging experiences that foster learning, character development, and meaningful relationships for children in our community. She also plays a vital role in the T2M Academy, walking alongside women as they experience healing, discover their God-given worth, and develop the confidence to grow in their faith, strengthen their families, and pursue the future God has planned for them. Behind the scenes, Betsy is instrumental in developing new initiatives and expanding opportunities that advance the mission of The Nehemiah Project. With a servant's heart, decades of educational experience, and a genuine love for people, Betsy is passionate about helping children and adults alike discover hope, purpose, and the tools they need to flourish. Her dedication continues to impact countless lives and reflects The Nehemiah Project's commitment to Building Families, Faith, and Future.

Our Operations Director joined The Nehemiah Project with a heart for service and a lifelong commitment to helping others. After retiring from a distinguished career in public service and returning to her hometown, she began volunteering with The Nehemiah Project in 2020. It wasn’t long before her dedication, leadership, and servant’s heart led her to become a full-time member of the team. Today, she oversees the daily operations of The Nehemiah Project, helping ensure that The Wright Place for Kids runs efficiently while supporting the many programs, staff, volunteers, and families who walk through our doors each day. From managing facilities and operations to solving challenges behind the scenes, she plays an essential role in creating a welcoming, safe, and well-organized environment where lives can be transformed. Prior to joining The Nehemiah Project, she served in several respected organizations, including the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General with both the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Saint Francis University, and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Throughout each chapter of her career, one constant remained—her passion for serving people with integrity, compassion, and excellence. She often says that while the pace at The Wright Place for Kids leaves little time to “stop and smell the roses,” she wouldn’t have it any other way. Every day brings new opportunities to serve, encourage, and make a difference in the lives of others. She is grateful to continue living out that calling as part of The Nehemiah Project team. Her steady leadership, commitment to excellence, and servant’s heart help make The Nehemiah Project a place where hope is restored, lives are impacted, and our community continues to grow stronger together.