Founder Kenneth croom
LEGACY & IMPACT
30 Years of Legacy and Impact
A STEP TO FREEDOM
OUR MISSION
To enhance the lives of low-income individuals and families who struggle with social and economic disparities such as homelessness, lack of education, substance abuse, mental illness, and recidivism by providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment to break cycles, heal and thrive.
did you know?
6 out of 10 people experiencing homelessness are now without housing for the first time.
Our 2020 Warm the Streets raised over $10,000 and distributed over 8,000 blankets and PPE thanks to our amazing volunteers, donors and first ever corporate partner, American Business Bank.
Meet Dennis, a participant at our ODR Interim-Housing site, and learn how A Step to Freedom is helping him reach his goals.
Learn about what inspires A Step to Freedom Case Manager Sade.
Our Story
From the Beginning
Founded by Kenneth Croom in LA, had friends who were struggling to find resources and support after being released from prison.
Growth
Legacy
Kenneth Croom led the organization until 2003 when Kenya Kirkland, daughter and entrepreneur in her own right, took over the organization and officially incorporated it as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Extended
Services
ASF transitions from providing services solely to Veterans and provides beds to single adult males who have severe mental health diagnosis.
A New
Vision
Executive Director, Kenya Kirkland launches annual giving campaign Warm the Streets LA.
Vision
Fulfillment
Ms. Kirkland expanded her father’s dream, taking it from a 12-bed facility to 78 beds at three sites, and welcoming women ages 18-65 and their families.
Growth
EXPANSION
ASF obtains another site to serve more individuals and families.
Here and Now
Expansion
Since 1991, A Step to Freedom has reached over tens of thousands of individuals through outreach and supportive services. Our residential programs have provided over 2,500 individuals with a safe space to rebuild their lives and access to the resources and wrap around services to help them achieve self-sufficiency. We have developed long-standing relationships with outpatient, sober living, mental health, behavioral health, and intensive case management services.
Empowerment
Our comprehensive trauma-informed programs empower homeless and justice-involved individuals achieve their goals and obtain self-sufficiency.
Since 2014, our Annual Warm the Streets event
has provided over 10,000 blankets to homeless men, women and children in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Charlotte.
We are expanding our 80th Street Campus
with 10 additional beds, enabling us to serve an additional 22 homeless and justice impacted individuals.
Read About IT
Leadership and Service
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