Sponsors, Inc., a Eugene-based nonprofit organization that helps people returning from incarceration with employment and housing opportunities, honored three supporters and announced a new housing project at its Second Chance Champions Gala April 19 at the Valley River Inn.

The honorees: 

Donovan Mack, a retired journalist who has testified in front of the Oregon legislature, raised funds for Sponsors, and participated in Oregon CURE, a community group that supports families affected by incarceration.

Nancy Pance, co-founder of Opportunity Oregon, which provides employment support to people who have experienced incarceration and are seeking a fresh start. She regularly leads job-readiness workshops at Sponsors and at correctional facilities across the state, and she sits on the organization’s Reentry Committee, bringing lived experience directly into program design.

Donovan Dumire, who recently retired after serving as manager of Lane County Adult Parole and Probation. During his time in leadership, Dumire worked to reshape the department’s approach to supervision by centering it on empathy, accountability, and individual support. His leadership helped shift the culture away from enforcement and toward a more person-focused, trauma-informed model. 

In addition to honoring Mack, Pance and Dumire, Sponsors executive director Annie Herz announced the organization will be constructing an affordable housing project. The project will be called The Coleman, in honor of Dr. Ed and Charmaine Coleman, longtime Sponsors supporters, educators, and leaders in Eugene’s Black community. The 52-unit development will be located across from Sponsors’ Roosevelt Crossing campus and will provide long-term housing for individuals with conviction histories. 

Amanda Coers (she/her) brings a unique blend of experience in community outreach, event coordination, teaching, and journalism to her role as the Community & Student Engagement Manager at Lookout Eugene-Springfield. Her passion for fostering meaningful connections within the community is at the heart of her work, where she focuses on elevating engagement and building lasting partnerships.

Before joining Lookout Eugene-Springfield, Amanda served as an English teacher, where she taught American Literature, Creative Writing, and Art to high school students. She fostered a love for literature and creative expression, encouraging her students to explore their unique voices and ideas through writing and the arts. Prior to teaching, Amanda was the Executive Administrator for the City of Brownwood, Texas, where she supported the City Manager and the Executive Director of Economic Development in coordinating operations and providing public information services to various community organizations. For several years before working in municipal government, Amanda worked as a journalist and news editor.

In May 2023, Amanda and her family relocated from central Texas to Eugene, Oregon, attracted by the region's natural beauty, inclusive community, and dedication to sustainability. She has since fallen in love with Eugene and Springfield’s vibrant arts scene, rich cultural diversity, and outdoor recreational opportunities. From the thriving local art community to the picturesque hiking trails, Amanda is thrilled to call the Willamette Valley home.

Amanda holds a Bachelor’s in English Language and Literature from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring outdoors, painting, and volunteering with local organizations to give back to her community.