Our Team
Janai Treuber
Founder/President
Jana’i has dedicated her career to the nonprofit industry, starting as a volunteer with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army as a teenager. She has since become a professional advocate for various vulnerable populations, including victims of family violence, homeless youth, families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Jana’i graduated with her Associates degree in Human Services in 2012 and focused on helping the homeless in the Midwest. She founded Project Forward, a nonprofit that received sponsorship and private grants during the pandemic, enabling her to purchase computers and equipment for her clients’ educational and professional goals.
Jana’i also created one of the first virtual learning classrooms to help clients obtain their GED’s, prepare for college entrance exams, and complete certificate programs. Jana’i recognized the importance of lifelong learning and went back to school in August 2021 at the University of Southern New Hampshire. In the same month, she received approval for her project and a housing support agreement from Mille Lacs County to cover the costs of housing her participants through June 2022. Jana’i’s efforts and persistence paid off, and she obtained a partner loan in December 2021 to cover the costs of furnishing the home and operating expenses for the first three months. In January 2022, Project Forward passed the Minnesota Health Department inspection, and Jana’i was granted a Board and Lodge license, launching Project Forward’s Community Housing Project to provide housing and support services to veterans and homeless men.
In March 2022, Jodi Engren joined Jana’i as her partner to expand Project Forward’s reach and impact. Together, they are determined to empower underserved communities and make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families in need. Jodi’s contributions were recognized, and she was appointed a board seat in May 2022, then promoted to Program Director in October 2022.
Project Forward became a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and one of Minnesota’s first supplemental support providers, further highlighting its commitment to empowering underserved communities in Central Minnesota. Project Forward relocated its office to St Cloud in August 2022, positioning itself closer to the people it serves and contributing positively to the local economy. Jana’i earned her Bachelor’s in General Psychology with Summa Cum Laude honors in October 2022, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and leadership in the community. In November 2022, Project Forward received support from MAC-VEE and The American Legion Post 178, enabling the organization to provide housing and support services to more veterans in Central Minnesota. Project Forward celebrated its first year of providing housing and support services to veterans and homeless men on January 21st, 2023, a significant milestone for the organization and underserved communities in Central Minnesota. On January 31st, 2023, Project Forward received approval for its 245D Licensure, a testament to the organization’s commitment to empowering its clients and contributing to the community’s welfare. In April 2023, Project Forward was awarded the Provider Capacity Grant for Rural and Underserved Communities Round 2, made possible by the Minnesota State Department of Human Services. Enabling the organization to extend its reach and enhance its programs and services, driving positive impacts in underserved communities. The Project Forward team remains dedicated to its mission and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Jodi Engren​
Program Director​
Jodi joined Project Forward Inc. in March of 2022. bringing with her a wealth of experience and passion for helping the homeless. She has dedicated her life to serving and advocating for the homeless individuals and is known for going above and beyond to make them feel heard and supported.
Since joining Project Forward Inc., Jodi has become an indispensable member of the team, serving as a live-in house manager and contributing to the organization’s mission to provide housing and support services to veterans and homeless men in Central Minnesota. Her relentless commitment to improving the welfare of underserved communities has earned her a board seat and a promotion to Program Director in October, 2022.
Together with Jana’i and the Project Forward team, Jodi is determined to drive meaningful change, empower individuals and families in need, and contribute positively to the community’s welfare. Jodi’s extensive experience working with the homeless has made her comfortable offering emotional support in any way she can. She provides a listening ear and offers words of encouragement to those who are struggling or feeling down, providing a much-needed boost as they work to rebuild their lives.
In her role as live-in house manager and Program Director, Jodi helps clients meet their basic needs, including food, clothing and transportation. She works with them to create individualized goal plans to overcome barriers to employment and housing that have led to homelessness.
By enabling clients to acquire new skills and resources, Jodi and the Project Forward team help empower them to rebuild their lives and live independently. Jodi’s tireless contributions and compassionate approach have earned her the respect and admiration of clients and colleagues alike, making her a crucial part of Project Forwards efforts to drive positive change and create a lasting impact in the community.
Since joining Project Forward Inc., Jodi has become an indispensable member of the team, serving as a live-in house manager and contributing to the organization’s mission to provide housing and support services to veterans and homeless men in Central Minnesota. Her relentless commitment to improving the welfare of underserved communities has earned her a board seat and a promotion to Program Director in October, 2022.
Together with Jana’i and the Project Forward team, Jodi is determined to drive meaningful change, empower individuals and families in need, and contribute positively to the community’s welfare. Jodi’s extensive experience working with the homeless has made her comfortable offering emotional support in any way she can. She provides a listening ear and offers words of encouragement to those who are struggling or feeling down, providing a much-needed boost as they work to rebuild their lives.
In her role as live-in house manager and Program Director, Jodi helps clients meet their basic needs, including food, clothing and transportation. She works with them to create individualized goal plans to overcome barriers to employment and housing that have led to homelessness.
By enabling clients to acquire new skills and resources, Jodi and the Project Forward team help empower them to rebuild their lives and live independently. Jodi’s tireless contributions and compassionate approach have earned her the respect and admiration of clients and colleagues alike, making her a crucial part of Project Forwards efforts to drive positive change and create a lasting impact in the community.
Mike Chilson
The Go to Guy!
Introducing Mike Chilson, the Go-To Guy for Project Forward Inc. With years of experience in helping the homeless and disadvantaged populations, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Project Forward Inc. Throughout his career, Mike has become widely known for his compassionate and helpful nature.
He is always willing to lend a hand to those in need, whether it’s something as simple as changing a tire for someone stranded on the highway or providing mechanical repairs for a vehicle. He is also a valuable resource for Project Forward Inc., always available to offer support and assistance whenever needed. As the Go-To Guy at Project Forward Inc., Mike is responsible for a range of tasks including general maintenance, peer support, and security.
He is a skilled problem-solver with a knack for conflict resolution, ensuring that clients are satisfied with the final outcome while protecting the interests of the organization. In addition to his technical expertise, Mike is also recognized for his strong leadership skills and his ability to work collaboratively with others. He is a natural problem-solver who is always looking for innovative solutions to complex challenges. Mike is a true asset to the team at Project Forward Inc., and his dedication and commitment to his work make him an invaluable member of the organization.
His compassionate nature and willingness to go above and beyond for his clients and colleagues are just a few of the qualities that make him the Go-To Guy at Project Forward Inc.
Toyea Hakso
Housing Navigator
Working with Project Forward Inc and The Purple Valor Project is awesome.” They are committed to finding resources for their clients in the areas of medical needs, housing and various other necessities with the goal of getting each client back on their feet and reintegrating them into the community where they choose to live permanently.
They are partnered with various organizations like Americorps Ampact Heading Home Corps, MAC-V.org, VSO, DHS, as well as countless local organizations with the goal of stabilization and better life choices. I am excited to be a part of this organization for the next year with Americorps Ampact Heading Home Corps as their Housing Navigator.