Creating Safe Transitional Living Spaces
A Step to Freedom (ASF) provides justice-impacted individuals and people experiencing homelessness with a safe living environment and the support and resources needed to "take the first step to building a new future." NFF first partnered with ASF as part of the South Los Angeles Innovation Collaborative, where our Consulting team provided workshops and group coaching on nonprofit financial management.
In 2023, NFF also provided a $200,000 zero-interest bridge loan to ASF, helping them maintain their programs and keep their doors open to those in need, despite funding reimbursement delays worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kenneth Croom – a father, mentor, skilled boxer, veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader – founded ASF in the summer of 1991 after experiencing firsthand the need for resources and support when transitioning from incarceration. ASF’s motto, "take the first step toward building a new future," reflects its mission to provide safe transitional living spaces and comprehensive support services for people impacted by the justice system and/or homelessness.
In 2003, Kenneth’s daughter, Kenya Croom, took over ASF to carry forward his vision. In addition to providing a safe transitional living space with support and resources for people who have been impacted by the justice system and/or homelessness, ASF expanded to include wraparound services that help people establish self-sufficiency through trades, business ventures, and jobs as they transition to permanent housing.
