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Reverend Dr. Torianto S. Johnson Sr - Executive Director
Reverend Dr. Torianto S. Johnson Sr has a profound capacity for nurturing relationships and actively engaging with the community. With almost three decades of experience in pastoral ministry, community outreach, and spiritual care, Dr. Johnson has honed his abilities in bridging differences, fostering connections, and establishing enduring relationships with individuals from diverse political and theological backgrounds.
He is deeply committed to confronting social and economic inequality in a unifying rather than divisive manner. This commitment is not just a part of his work but a reflection of his values and beliefs. His vision for the community involves embracing individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs, Left and Right, Liberal and Conservative.
Dr. Johnson draws inspiration from Andy's work in creating Next Chapter Ministries, which resonated with early efforts in his ministry that included teaching Bible study in local jails, men’s and women’s homeless shelters, and halfway houses. Andy’s passion for reducing recidivism rates, supporting families impacted by incarceration, and fostering holistic gospel transformation aligns with Dr. Johnson’s philosophy and theology. He believes we are all better off when these things become a reality. And it will take all of us for the vision to come to fruition.
Dr. Johnson's academic journey began at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he laid the foundation for his future studies. He continued his education at Yale Divinity School, earning a Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in theology, where He was the recipient of the Edward Ashley Walker Scholarship at Yale Divinity School, which is voted upon by faculty and awarded to a current student based on academic excellence. During his time at Yale, Dr. Johnson served as a minister for Marquand Chapel and the Reverend Dr. Samuel N. Slie Pastoral Fellow for the University Church in Yale. He completed his doctorate at Duke Divinity School in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his academic career.
His life is enriched by his marriage to his wife of thirty years, Angela Johnson, and their four children: Torianna, Torisa, Torianto Jr., and Toriah.
“Through my personal experiences, I have truly appreciated the profound impact of community service in fostering connections and engagement within our society. My unwavering commitment to community service is a testament to my firm belief in its transformative power.”
Janie Borkowski - Reentry Director of Operations
Janie Borkowski serves as the Reentry Director of Operations at Next Chapter Reentry Project and oversees the Little Legacies Children’s Ministry. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Black Hills State University and a Master of Education in Higher Education and Adult Learning from the University of Sioux Falls.
Janie felt called to ministry in 2019 and jumped in headfirst, serving as a Children’s Pastor. In 2021, she moved to Rochester to assist a local church with restarting and now serves as its Associate Pastor. She was ordained in 2024 and is passionate about seeing God revitalize and bring new energy to all things. This passion fuels her excitement for the mission of Next Chapter Reentry Project.
Outside of work, Janie enjoys iced coffee and spending time at local state parks with her dog, Sophie. She joined the Next Chapter staff in May 2022.
Jessica Lafavor - Women's Reentry Manager
Jessica LaFavor is a dedicated mother of three grown children, a certified doula through DONA International, a certified peer recovery specialist, and a trauma healing facilitator through the Trauma Healing Institute. This creates community, support, and courage. Her heart is legacy—to equip, encourage, and empower women to be healthy, growing, and full of love! She is the Vice President of a non-profit, Embracing Miracles, and the founder of Grateful Life Ministries LLC. With 25+ years of experience, her philosophy is love at birth, love for life—walking alongside those on the journey of new life physically and spiritually specializing in Christian doula training- Heart of Doula workshops, Grateful Life childbirth education, and Women of Strength healing retreats. She has been a keynote conference speaker, is a published author, was a Pastor for 11 years, and a part of the development team and taught at the Train a Child Center (TACC) in Kasson, served as the Coordinator for the Rochester Outreach Center, and was a Training Coach for Celebrate Recovery. Jessica attended Crossroads Bible College for 2 years, studying Theology, and has been trained in several types of inner healing prayer. At the Lighthouse she serves those impacted by the cycle of incarceration and has been an advocate in areas such as trauma, addiction/recovery, parenting, homelessness, and mental health. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 119:2, “Blessed are they that keep the testimonies of the Lord with their whole heart.” Jessica was born with a hole in her heart and has a miraculous testimony of how God made her heart whole!
Darrell Luce - Reentry Resident Assistant
Darrell Luce is the Men’s Resident Assistant. Darrell joined the team in February of 2024 and is an alumni of the Discipleship Program. Trained as a Peer Recovery Specialist, Darrell utilizes his lived experience to encourage the men at NCM to daily engage in their recovery and work hard towards restoration.