At We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF), our mission is brought to life by an extraordinary team dedicated to creating meaningful change for returning citizens. Leading this vision is our Executive Director, Melvin Parson, whose personal journey through 13 years of incarceration fuels his passionate commitment to building pathways of opportunity. With his 2016 BSW from Eastern Michigan University and the co-founding of A Brighter Way in 2015, Melvin’s innovative leadership has established WTPOF as a transformative force, offering support, employment, and community engagement for individuals reentering society.
Our Program Coordinator, Heidi Bechtel, embodies compassion and resilience. Transitioning from a work-study student to her current role after earning her MSW at Eastern Michigan University, Heidi is deeply invested in supporting the mental health and personal growth of those we serve. Her dedication ensures that our programs provide a safe and nurturing space for healing and self-discovery.
Eric Kampe, our Farm Manager, brings a wealth of experience in organic farming and sustainable practices. As the founder of Ann Arbor Seed Company and a former member of Green Things Farm Collective, Eric enriches our mission with his commitment to soil stewardship and a passion for outdoor collaboration. His love for storytelling and cultivating the land keeps our farm vibrant and thriving.
Together, Melvin, Heidi, and Eric form a dynamic team committed to planting seeds of hope, growth, and lasting change for our community.
Melvin Parson
Founder & Executive Director, We The People Opportunity Farm
Melvin Parson is the visionary founder and executive director of We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF), a transformative organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of incarceration by providing formerly incarcerated individuals with paid internships, workforce development, and a supportive community. Recognized for his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and healing, Melvin has built WTPOF into a model for second chances, using regenerative farming and social enterprise to empower returning citizens.
Melvin’s journey into this work is deeply personal. Motivated by the lack of representation at his local farmers market and his own experiences with the healing power of soil, he founded WTPOF to create opportunities where none existed. Under his leadership, the farm has not only grown food but has also cultivated resilience, purpose, and a sense of belonging for those seeking to rebuild their lives.
A sought-after speaker and thought leader in reentry programming and social entrepreneurship, Melvin has been featured on CBS Morning News, FOX 2 Detroit, and EMU Radio, and has been a guest on podcasts such as The Brent Cassidy Show and Shannon McFall’s Podcast. His work has earned him prestigious awards, including The Henry Ford’s Carver Prize and the Washtenaw Community College Equity in Action Award.
In 2025, Melvin is spearheading the launch of Good Soil Café, a mission-driven social enterprise that will provide employment and career pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals, while serving as a welcoming hub for the broader community. His leadership continues to shape WTPOF’s strategic vision, ensuring sustainability and lasting impact.
Beyond his work, Melvin is a devoted grandfather, an advocate for social justice, and a lifelong learner who believes in the power of community to create meaningful change.
Emily Benjamin
Program Coordinator
Emily earned her Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science and chemistry from Aquinas College. After working as a chemist for seven years, she transitioned to project coordination for a small business in Ann Arbor. There, she discovered her true passion for project planning, budget tracking, and serving as the go-to person. In her personal life, she enjoys reading, Detroit Lions football, and spending time with friends and family.
Brian Clark
Farm Manager
Brian lives a spiritually-focused life of service that has taken many interesting twists and turns, from a formative year in Scotland to an extended stay on a Montana cattle ranch; from a Costa Rican beach to six years living and serving at a northern Michigan Yoga Retreat. Much of Brian’s service has centered around caring for the land, including work on a potato farm, supporting a large community garden, and most recently as laborer at Seva Farms, where he helped grow happy organic produce for the greater Ann Arbor community.