We see caregivers.
We believe supporting the caregiver is the best way to support individuals with special needs.
Our Story
The Lucas Project was a dream that began with Lucas, who was miraculously born to Jess Ronne after he suffered a stroke in utero.
After surviving brain surgery at 3 days old, he has continued to thrive and grow, although his life with profound special needs has been challenging at times.
Jess’s desire was to start a non-profit in Lucas’s honor, but she lacked direction and focus for what this would involve or how it would look.
In 2013, the Ronne family moved to rural Tennessee to pursue a dream of a simple life.
While Lucas thrived in many aspects, Jess and her husband Ryan noticed a lack of resources and accessibility in other areas – particularly in the area of respite opportunities for caregivers.
The Lucas Project was born out of a desire to bridge this gap by offering awareness to the general public in regard to the difficulties and challenges that caregivers face and respite to the caregivers.
Meet Our Staff
Lucas Ronne
Chief Inspirational Officer
Lucas Ronne is the namesake behind The Lucas Project. Lucas suffered from a stroke in utero at 20 weeks old, and doctors told his parents that there was very little hope; however on August 12, 2004 he was born. He underwent successful brain surgery at 2 days old and spent fourteen days in the NICU. When he regained his strength, he was sent home with his parents who would become his forever guardians. Despite his many obstacles in life including hydrocephalus, chiari malformation, scoliosis, autism, ID, limited vision, and low muscle tone, Lucas’s story continues to not only inspire people but also serve special needs families through recognition, respite, and residential support.
Jess Ronne
Founder and President
Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee With Caregivers, associate producer of the “UNSEEN” and “UNCERTAIN” documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is the founder of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite and resources. Jess and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes is detailed in her memoir, Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga, she can be found at jessronne.com or by reading her most recent books, Blended With Grit and Grace, Lovin’ With Grit & Grace, or Caregiving with Grit & Grace.
Betsy Binish
Executive Director
My name is Betsy Binish, and I’m honored to serve as the Executive Director of The Lucas Project. Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with various nonprofits, focusing on social media and marketing to help amplify their missions and share the stories that matter.
Beyond my professional experience, I’m also a proud mom to two incredible boys, ages 11 and 9. My oldest son was born with cerebral palsy and brings joy to everyone he meets with his quick wit and love of laughter. My youngest is full of energy and keeps our days lively and fun. When I’m not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find me outside—running, rock climbing, or simply enjoying nature.
Sarah Mays
Executive Assistant
Sarah Mays is an essayist, business owner, caregiver advocate, and mother of five. Prior to launching her own business in 2021, she dedicated over fifteen years of her life working with special needs families as a Direct Support Professional and Exceptional Children’s Teacher’s Assistant.
Meet Our Board
Ryan Ronne
Read Bio
Ryan Ronne is a husband, dad of 8, house flipper, and advocate for special needs families.
Laura Marcus
Read Bio
Laura was born and raised in Wisconsin loving all things made of cheese and the Green Bay Packers. She graduated from the University of WI with a degree in marketing & has spent all of her adult life in some form of sales. She is currently a realtor serving West Michigan. Throughout all of it, her biggest joy is the connections she makes with other people and building relationships. Currently residing in Grand Haven with her husband Bill, she is Mom to Abbey, who is married to Jake. She is also Mom to Trevor who has autism and lives near her in Norton Shores. Trevor lives in a condo and has a caregiver 24/7.
Rick Schreur
Read Bio
Robert E. Schreur (Rick) is an estate planning and probate lawyer. He lives in Zeeland, Michigan with his wife, Sharon, and four (quadruplet) children, Ethan, Collin, Kendra and Trevor. He is a “forever parent” to two of his children who have varying degrees of physical and
mental challenges. Rick is interested in supporting families walking the difficult path of caregiving for special needs children and planning for their future needs.
Michael Klomp
Read Bio
I am a proud father of two beautiful girls and have been married to my wife Heidi for 13 years. We live in Allendale and have since 2014. I have been working with Meijer for over 10 years with a focus on analytics, construction, design, architecture, energy & engineering. Prior to Meijer, I worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers after graduating from Ferris State University. In our free time, we spend as much time as possible outdoors and camping. In addition, we love cooking and baking new food together!
Lindsay Criswell
Read Bio
Lindsay Criswell is a daughter, a big sister, a wife, a friend, a mother of three young boys, and the owner of Branch and Stone Studio.
Lindsay’s boys inspired her studio and blog. Her oldest shares her love of art and writing. Her middle child can be found with his head in a book and is on the Autism Spectrum. While her youngest child was born medically complex and is diagnosed with Apraxia of Speech, it does not stop him from keeping everyone on their “toes” while talking their “ears off.” He also loves to get messy and creative in the studio.
As a visual artist, instructor, writer, illustrator, advocate, business owner and now a cancer survivor, Lindsay’s mission is to share knowledge, encouragement, and love. Fueled by much faith in God, a hubby she can count on, and ample amounts of coffee. Lindsay balances the time challenges of family and running Branch and Stone Studio, a creative haven, and blog for all ages and abilities where everyone is celebrated.
Lindsay also partners with the local Board of Developmental Disabilities, and many local schools to help bring awareness, support, and art. She currently runs a support group where parents of children with additional needs receive resources and an opportunity to share struggles while their children including siblings get to create art. She has headed numerous large events for caregivers and families with different themes and purposes.
Lindsay released a children’s book she authored and illustrated for young elementary students in 2022. She is currently working on a middle-grade novel. She is thankful for the opportunity to serve her family, friends, community, and readers while doing what she loves. Lindsay hopes to make a larger impact outside of her local community while continuing to help locally.
Carrie Prater
Read Bio
Carrie is a mother of 4 children, ages 12 to 25 years old, and a grandmother of two. She is working close to full time, continuing her education and raising her family in partnership with her husband of 18 years. Her youngest son, Gibson, was born with Mowat-Wilson syndrome with a secondary diagnosis of Autism. This syndrome includes impairments ranging from mild to severe with Gibson falling in the moderate to severe range. With his diagnosis, life changed in a dramatic fashion in good ways and more challenging ways. One of her passions is to help provide support in respite for families like hers.
