About Us

PRESIDENT/CEO - My journey began in 2011 with the establishment of Beat the Street Inc. in Florida, which I later brought to New Jersey to serve the marginalized in partnership with local churches. After overcoming personal tragedy and a life-altering accident in 2012, I refocused my vision. Between 2013 and 2015, we successfully transitioned 82 individuals from the woods into apartments and hotels, providing essential furniture and toiletries.

Just Believe Inc. was formally founded in 2019. Over the years, we have spearheaded the Ocean County Code Blue Emergency Shelter Initiative, successfully advocating for legislative changes to lower the temperature threshold for emergency housing. Our impact has grown significantly; during the last season alone, we provided emergency shelter in 1,730 instances and mobilized 140 volunteers.

Our recent achievements include:

- 2019-2024: Operated the Riverwood Park recreational center and partnered with Ocean Harbor House to launch a first-of-its-kind family emergency shelter, placing 14 families into permanent housing in just seven weeks.
- 2024-2025: Successfully transitioned our Code Blue operations to the South Toms River recreational center to continue providing vital care and housing assistance.

We are now evolving beyond temporary shelter toward permanent solutions, specifically focusing on "Larry's Home," a dedicated residence for veterans in Ocean County.

With continued support from the county and local municipalities, Just Believe Inc. remains committed to empowering individuals to lead self-sustaining lives.

Board Member - 2022-2023

Board Member Since 2023

Advisory board member 2022-2023

Advisory board member 2022-2023

James was born in Washington Heights, New York City, New York in 1964. His family would later move to New Jersey in 1968 where James grew up in Iselin and Silver Beach, New Jersey.

In 1987 James graduated from Trenton State College/The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in History. James is now a fourth generation Pipefitter for Local 9, Central Jersey, United Association of Pipefitters and Plumbers. In 1997 James received a scholarship to Seton Hall University, School of Law. In 2000 James graduated from Seton Hall having completed the Labor and Employment Law Concentration with the accompanying two (2) advanced writing seminars.

After a short time in private practice, James went to work for the Federal Labor Relations Authority in Dallas, Texas where he became a Senior Attorney/Specialist. In January of 2018, James met Paul Hulse and in February of that year, Paul asked him if he could draft grant applications and Letters of Inquiry for his non-profit. As a result, James familiarized himself with the grant process and began drafting grant applications. When Just Believe Inc. A New Jersey Non-profit Corporation (Just Believe Inc.) was formed in August 2019 James came aboard as Director of Project Development. James also sits on the Advisory Board for Just Believe Inc.

Board Secretary 2022-2023

Fundraising Chairs - 2022-2023