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
Executive Director
Melvin Parson (AKA Farmer Parson) spent approximately 13 years of his life incarcerated. As such, he has experienced many of the challenges that come along with either being on parole or probation. In 2016 Melvin earned a BSW from Eastern Michigan University. In 2015 he co-founded a mentor program for men and women returning home from incarceration called A Brighter Way.
In 2018 Melvin started a nonprofit organization called We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF). WTPOF’s vision centers around providing “soil changing” opportunities for both men and women returning home from incarceration. Melvin believes there are several factors which lead people back to prison, a couple of them being lack of employment and lack of community support. Melvin’s goals are to create an internship program that will facilitate meaningful job & educational opportunities and create a culture where folks will have enough support to make strides towards caring about themselves, others, and their community.
Heidi Bechtel
Program Coordinator
Heidi orginally came to WTPOF as a work study student, and accepted the role of Program Coordinator after completing her MSW at Eastern Michigan University. Heidi is passionate about mental health and supporting people through the challenges of life transitions and personal growth.
Eric Kampe
Farm Manager
Eric Kampe has been growing organic vegetables and saving seeds since 2007. He was the founder of Ann Arbor Seed Company and a member/owner of the Green Things Farm Collective. Eric appreciates good soil stewardship, telling stories and bad jokes, and working/playing outside.