About AJP
We empower survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation by providing long-term housing and a comprehensive variety of support services with an emphasis on peer leadership.
Empowering Survivors
OUR MISSION
Learn the history of AJPOur Story
Compelled by the immense scale of human trafficking in San Diego and the limited resources available to survivors, our co-founders incorporated the Alabaster Jar Project. The mission was to provide housing and resources for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
What began as a ministry of a local church soon evolved into a standalone nonprofit 501(c)3 in 2013, receiving tax exempt status in July of 2014. Alabaster Jar Project is now comprised of Grace House, a long-term residential program; the Resource Center, a drop-in center that provides clothing, toiletries, referrals, emotional, educational and vocational development programs; and Survivor-led Peer Support Groups.
Support Our Work
Our Values
Begin with Grace
We always assume the best in others and begin with trust not suspicion.
Choose Excellence
We do everything with professionalism, collaboration and accountability.
Cultivate Trust
We treat others how we would want to be treated.
Champion Wellness
We prioritize our physical, emotional and spiritual health and growth.
Celebrate Together
We celebrate one another and find joy in our successes.
Empower Integrity
We are committed to healthy relationships through honest communication even when it is difficult.
Our Staff
Jessica Elliott-Pomerenke
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO
Jessica leads Alabaster Jar Project with a focus on strategic growth, community partnerships, and survivor-centered programming. With over 10 years of experience in North County nonprofits, she brings a strong passion for community-driven solutions and systemic change. She holds a degree in Human Development and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration.
Jessica is committed to building sustainable systems that create lasting impact and believes in empowering both staff and survivors through collaboration and innovation. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, exploring with her two kids, and turning big ideas into actionable plans.
Amanda Moon Ellevis
GRANTS MANGER
Amanda Moon Ellevis manages grant campaigns, coordinates social media marketing and public relations, and assists with fundraising at Alabaster Jar Project. She is a California Board Certified Human Trafficking Counselor and is a bachelor's in social work student at California State University, Chico. A local author and former Grace House Resident, her book Rebuild and Thrive helps survivors of trafficking and exploitation like herself on their road to recovery and is actively used at Alabaster Jar Project’s Grace House and The Resource Center.
Kelly Lyles, MSW
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Kelly Lyles is holds a Masters of Social Work and has over 15 years of experience in the social services field. She is experienced in working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including adults and children with intellectual disabilities, foster youth, the LGBTQ+ community, and single mothers. She has experience with Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, facilitating vocational assessments, psychosocial evaluations, program development and large caseloads of individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Linda Acosta
FINANCE & HR MANAGER
Linda Acosta is a dedicated small business owner offering Human Resources consulting and bookkeeping services in North County. With over two decades of experience in corporate insurance consulting for Fortune 500 companies and venture capital firms, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a heart for service. Since joining Alabaster Jar Project in 2019, Linda has combined her expertise in project and process management with her passion for helping others, supporting the organization’s HR, bookkeeping, and insurance needs. She is deeply committed to AJP’s mission and finds purpose in contributing to the healing and empowerment of survivors of human trafficking. For Linda, this work is more than a role, it’s a calling. Outside of work, Linda enjoys walking, and spending quality time with her family and rescue dogs.
Our Board of Directors
Nate Alcorn
BOARD MEMBER/COFOUNDER
Nate Alcorn, is a pastor at North Coast Calvary Church. He is the Board President & Co-founder of Alabaster Jar Project (AJP). After hearing the need from law enforcement for residential programs for survivors of sex trafficking, Susan and Nate founded AJP. He has received a BA in Psychology and MA in Secondary Education. Since AJP’s formation, Nate has helped build the board, the organizational structure, and network with community partnerships. His hope is for survivors to experience healing and wholeness.
Sunny Montas
BOARD MEMBER
Sunny Montas is a Biopharmaceutical Operations Counsel at Amgen. Before Amgen, Sunny served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 22 years and has a BS in Law & Justice from The College of New Jersey, Doctor of Law (J.D.) from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Military Law from The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School at the University of Virginia, and an MBA from Florida A&M University. Sunny joined the Board of Directors for the Alabaster Jar Project in July 2022 and looks forward to continuing her passion for service.
Rick Paul
BOARD PRESIDENT
Rick Paul joined the AJP Board in August of 2022. He retired from a distinguished career in Wire & Cable Manufacturing, where he was regarded as an expert in Design, Operations, and Quality Assurance. Rick also participated in many side gigs, some of which continue to this day: Escondido Planning Commissioner, Clean Energy Alliance Community Advisory Committee Member. Escondido Community Foundation Founding Member and Grants Chair, Friends of Daley Ranch Treasurer, El Caballo Park Conservancy Founding Board Member, Encuentros Leadership Board Member. Rick lives in Escondido with his amazing wife Mercedes.
Caroline Salavar
BOARD MEMBER
Caroline Salazar is a Mission Driven Executive and Philanthropist. She has worked in multiple leadership roles in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years. As the President of Salazar-Vazquez Communications for the last twelve years, she works closely with her clients to meet their grant program revenue goals and has raised over $55M in the various fundraising efforts she's been involved in. She became aware of human trafficking survivors' needs when she was contacted by AJP to assist with housing assistance for survivors. Since then she has been on a journey to become a student and advocate, learning about human trafficking while using her talents and experience to end human trafficking.
Damian Geistkemper
BOARD MEMBER
Damian Geistkemper, CFA, joined the AJP Board in March 2024. He worked for over 30 years as an investor in the asset management business, primarily within the high yield and investment grade corporate bond markets. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and has an MBA in Finance and International Business from Indiana University and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois. Damian is retired and lives in Rancho Bernardo, CA. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board to help serve and support survivors of human trafficking and exploitation.
Toni Butler
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
With a background in human rights, environmental, and educational nonprofits, Toni brings a broad perspective to her work-but her true passion lies in supporting survivors of abuse. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of peer support and access to resources, she is deeply committed to the mission of Alabaster Jar Project. From coordinating volunteer opportunities to organizing outreach events, she fosters meaningful ways for the community to engage with compassion and care. She believes that healing begins with connection and is honored to help build those vital bridges every day.
Kimberly Brown
PROGRAM MANAGER
As Program Manager, Kim offers peer support, advocacy, and coaching in life skills, financial literacy, and wellness to help survivors move toward independence. Her background in mental health advocacy and suicide prevention adds depth to her support. She manages the daily operations of the home and co-facilitates the Peer Support Group, fostering a safe space for healing, community, and personal growth.
“Nothing brings me more joy than watching women rise from the ashes and become all that God created them to be.” – Kim
Cassondra White
CASE MANAGER
Having survived human trafficking herself, she brings lived experience, empathy, and strength to her role as Case Manager. She understands how life-changing it is to have someone believe in you during your most vulnerable moments. Now, she walks alongside other survivors as they rebuild their lives, offering support, guidance, and hope. For her, this isn’t just work—it’s a way to give back the miracle she was once given.
Cynthia Mejia
PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Cynthia excels in driving team efficiency and delivering impactful solutions. Passionate about developing innovative approaches to support community-focused initiatives, she brings both creativity and purpose to her work. As a survivor, she is deeply committed to giving back to the organization that helped her off the streets, channeling her experiences into empowerment for others. She thrives in crafting strategies that balance emotional depth with clarity, whether organizing events or supporting teams. Through her work, she strives to create a positive and meaningful difference, championing empowerment and community growth.
David Paul
BOARD MEMBER
David Paul is the CEO and founding member of DWP Capital, which invests in early-stage tech companies. With over a decade of experience in growth equity and venture capital, David previously served as a lead investor at Canal Partners and an associate at Tallwave Capital. He holds a B.A. from Springfield College and an MBA from Northeastern University. David also serves on the boards of the Kiita Foundation and Rancho Feliz and lives in Carlsbad with his wife and three daughters.
