About Restore Ministries

For 30 years, Restore Ministries has been a youth development nonprofit serving students and families throughout Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Union County. Through mentorship, after-school support, educational enrichment, leadership development, STEM learning, arts programming, cultural experiences, and community engagement, Restore helps young people build confidence, develop character, and discover opportunities that can shape the course of their lives. Our mission is rooted in a simple belief: every child deserves encouragement, opportunity, and a community that believes in their future.

That mission comes to life every day through the students and families we serve. When Elmi arrived in the United States from El Salvador at thirteen years old, he spoke no English, had no school records, and struggled to find his footing in school. With the support of mentors, educators, and the Restore community, he went on to earn top academic honors, graduate from the Cleveland Institute of Art, complete a master’s degree at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and become a college professor. His story is one of many. For more than three decades, Restore has helped young people overcome obstacles, pursue higher education and meaningful careers, and build brighter futures—while creating lifelong relationships that continue long after students leave our programs. Read more Success Stories

Today, Restore Ministries continues to help young people build confidence, strengthen character, discover purpose, and pursue brighter futures through faith, family, and community support. We are incredibly proud of the many Restore alumni who have transitioned from our programs into higher education, trade schools, and the professional workforce. Their success is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the continued support of a community that believes in their potential.
 

Mission Statement

Restore Ministries is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and families realize their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally through lifelong support, transformative enrichment, and meaningful opportunities rooted in faith and family.
 

Our Core Values in a  F.L.O.C.K

  • Faith: Faith-forward values rooted in purpose and service.
  • Legacy:Lifelong support from childhood through adulthood and beyond.
  • Opportunity: Access to horizon-expanding enrichment and experiences.
  • Community: Hyperlocal programs that strengthen neighborhood bonds.
  • Kindness: Safe environments where students are seen and included.

Leadership

Linwood Bagby

Linwood Bagby

Linwood Bagby is the Founder and CEO of Restore Ministries, where he leads the organization’s strategic vision to provide holistic support and transformational resources to the families of children and teenagers in underserved communities. With a deep-seated commitment to social advocacy and community restoration, Linwood has dedicated his career to developing programs that bridge the gap between crisis and stability. Under his leadership, Restore Ministries has successfully implemented initiatives to improve high school graduation rates, develop leadership, and advance social justice and advocacy, earning a reputation for impactful, person-centered service. Linwood’s approach combines operational excellence with a grassroots sensibility, ensuring that every dollar granted translates into measurable community change. He holds a Master's Degree from Kean University and remains an active voice in the city of Elizabeth, NJ, and Union County’s nonprofit sector

Ximena Carrasco

Ximena Carrasco

Ximena Carrasco is the Program Director at Restore Ministries, where she leads youth programs centered on empowerment, restoration, and holistic support. A native of Ecuador and longtime resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey, she joined Restore in 2011 and quickly advanced as her leadership, integrity, and ability to build meaningful connections with students and families became evident. In her role, Ximena oversees program operations, staff development, and the planning of new initiatives, ensuring that Restore’s work remains aligned with its core values: restoring dignity and hope, supporting the mind, body, and spirit of each young person, empowering families with tools for long-term stability, and strengthening community ties through transparent, collaborative partnerships. She holds a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a certification in Non-Profit Organizational Development with a focus on Public Management and Leadership. Ximena is an active member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church and the Women United in Christ Ministry. Outside of her professional and ministry commitments, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family

Erik Manzano

Erik Manzano

Erik Manzano is a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he was born and raised. He began attending Restore Ministries as a student in 2009, an experience that played a meaningful role in his personal growth and connection to the community. Erik graduated from Kean University in 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He has a strong passion for working with children and youth, particularly in community-based and afterschool settings. As someone who has experienced Restore both as a student and as a leader, Erik is deeply committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can grow academically, emotionally, and socially. His background in psychology informs his approach to youth development, emphasizing empathy, structure, and encouragement. Erik continues to dedicate his time to community engagement and supporting the mission of Restore Ministries.!

Board of Trustees

Marylou Spohr, Chairperson

Conrad Martin, Development and Marketing

Linwood Bagby, Trustee

Elaine Belz, Fundraising Committee Chairperson

James Patrick Belz, Trustee

Jakub Klimkowski, Trustee