Our Story
Why We Do What We Do
OUR FOUNDERS
NELSON & SHALONDA GUSTAVE
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 (Cincinnati & Indianapolis) in the areas of law enforcement & the correctional workforce, non-profit & religious community work and efforts, and local food/shelter distribution centers.
Nelson has served 4 years in the correctional workforce as a corrections officer and 2 years with the Cincinnati Police Department. Within his time there, he 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.
Shalonda has served in fulltime ministry for over 16 years and is a business owner within the Indianapolis area. 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 clients who need the proper training and tools to start their own businesses to support their families.
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.