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.
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.
Meet Our Staff
Lucas Ronne
Chief Inspirational Officer
Jess Ronne
Founder & CEO
Danielle
Administrative Assistant
Danielle is a wife, mother of five, and advocate. She lives with her family in Ohio and in her spare time enjoys reading, visiting new places, spending time outdoors and trying out new recipes.
Meet Our Board
Laurie Hellmann
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Ryan Ronne
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Vance Goforth
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Melissa Larson
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Melissa’s career has been focused on strategic marketing for nonprofits/Christian ministries and commercial businesses. She is passionate about honoring her faith through her work and helping others move their mission forward. She currently owns and operates Larson Marketing Solutions LLC which provides a variety of marketing services to clients. She takes great pride in coming alongside her clients as a valued partner. Working together, she helps equip ministries and businesses to make better decisions, maximize limited resources, clarify messaging, and reach their audience. She lives with her husband and three boys in West Michigan, where she enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, the outdoors, and a good cup of coffee!
Carrie Prater
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Lindsay Criswell
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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.
Rick Schreur
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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.