The Restore Merced Team
Matt St Pierre
Matt grew up on a family ranch in Merced County. He met his wife, Leah, in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he studied Business Administration. They spent 6 years in San Francisco with Matt doing faith-based community development work in the Tenderloin neighborhood. He has a Master’s of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI and is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. Matt’s vision for Restore Merced is to see it impact every sector of the city by helping all residents come to know their God-given dignity and worth and contribute their own unique skills and gifts toward the flourishing of the city. He believes this happens when we follow Jesus’ challenge to love our enemies, seek reconciliation and justice, and know that we are deeply loved despite our many shortcomings. Matt and Leah love living in downtown Merced with their three children..
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Caleb Medefind
Caleb was born right here in Merced, and has continued to live in Merced County for nearly all of his of life. During his time away he graduated from Westmont College with a degree in Business & Economics, met his wife, Lori, and managed commercial building projects. After a few years, deep roots and a love for Merced drew him back home. Caleb now farms almonds and manages the real estate side of restoring houses back into homes. He provides Restore Merced overarching strategic oversight, operational support, and continues to help build-out the Restore Job’s program. Caleb has a strong desire, motivated by the love of God, to love our neighbors and to seek the good of the Merced community through the power of work and relationship. This continues to be a humbling and growing experience for him and he’s excited about the next chapter of Restore Merced. Caleb & Lori live in Merced County with their two daughters and two sons.
Board President & Co-Founder
Cindy Latronica
Cindy has called Merced home since she was young and has enjoyed raising her own family here as well. She began working at Restore Merced in 2021 and feels that it is a place that allows her to use both her skills and love for people. Cindy has found great joy working and volunteering in the community over the years. She has worked in a variety of office settings (retail, Ag, nonprofit), and takes great pride in being a good team member wherever she works. Cindy has a great hope for those within our program and community to know their value and feel supported.
HR/Office Manager
Billy Bremen
Billy came to Restore Merced from the Salvation Army program in Stockton. First there as a participant of the program, then becoming a program manager before coming on staff with Restore Merced, Billy brings a great depth of understanding and knowledge to our team. His love of Christ and the impact his faith has made on his life is ingrained in every part of who Billy is now.