Our Story

The Gustave Project was birthed in the early Spring of 2024 by Nelson & Shalonda Gustave. Both Nelson and Shalonda shared a desire to help improve their communities by empowering family units & individuals to be more self-sufficient in life’s challenges by gaining access to the tools that would assist them the most. Both Nelson and Shalonda have served their surrounding communities in the areas of law enforcement & the correctional workforce as well as within the non-profit community & ministries. 

 

Nelson has served 4 years in the correctional workforce as a corrections officer, 4 years with the Cincinnati Police Department, and 1 year as a SRO for Cincinnati Public Schools. Within his time in law enforcement, Nelson has been fortunate enough to serve underprivileged families during the holiday season as well as witness first hand the need for organizations that provide long term solutions and answers to families in need. As an SRO, he has worked with countless youth to help shape and restructure their disciplines, habits, and behaviors for success. 

 

Shalonda has served in fulltime ministry for 20 years and is a business owner of Identity Marketing and Branding and Silk Coffee Company.  Within her time in ministry, she has served her community in numerous community outreach events, food pantry initiatives, holiday assistance events and more. Currently within her marketing business she also serves Non-Profit organizations who are searching for leadership and structural development. 

 

With their vocational backgrounds, they both had the vision to bring the law and the church together to further impact their community. After much prayer, Nelson and Shalonda officially birthed The Gustave Project in August of 2024.