We Started With a Conviction. We Built a Movement.
A Step to Freedom was born from a simple belief: that South LA deserves investment, not abandonment — and that every person, regardless of their past, deserves a real path forward.
Our Mission
Transforming Lives. Breaking Cycles. Building Futures.
A Step to Freedom exists to transform the lives of justice-involved individuals struggling with homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges — providing the housing, services, and community they need to heal and build sustainable futures in South Los Angeles.
Our Vision
A South Los Angeles where every justice-involved adult has the housing, healing, and opportunity they need to define their own future — not be defined by their past.
What We Stand For
Dignity First
Every person who walks through our doors is met with respect — not pity, not conditions, not judgment. Dignity isn't earned. It's inherent.
Community-Rooted
We don't parachute in from elsewhere. We are South LA, serving South LA. Our staff and leadership reflect the community we serve.
Holistic Healing
Addiction, homelessness, and incarceration don't exist in isolation. Neither does healing. We address the whole person — mental, physical, economic, relational.
Radical Transparency
Where does your money go? We'll show you. What outcomes do we achieve? We'll prove it. Trust is built through openness.
Sustainable Transformation
Quick fixes don't break cycles. We invest in long-term change — the kind that lasts generations.
Second Chances
Systems have failed these individuals long enough. Every person deserves the opportunity to write a new chapter.
Our Work in Action
LEGACY
A glimpse into the lives we touch and the community we serve.
Our Journey
34 Years of Building Something Real
From a grassroots conviction in South LA to a comprehensive continuum of care — one step at a time.
ASF Founded
A Step to Freedom is founded in South Los Angeles with the conviction that justice-involved adults deserve more than a revolving door.
Warm the Streets Launches
Our first outreach initiative takes resources directly to South LA's unhoused residents every winter. Over 10,000 blankets distributed to date with 50+ partners and 1,000+ volunteers.
Blessing Bags Begin
Year-round distribution of essential supplies extends ASF's outreach presence and daily presence in the community.
Rise & Thrive Launches
The Rise & Thrive Reentry Workforce Accelerator launches — a five-pillar program connecting participants to fair-chance employment through CRCD, Pacific Gateway, Reignite Hope, and PV Jobs.
Women's Site Opens
New residential site for women opens, expanding ASF's continuum of care. 303 individuals served. 4,000+ served since founding.
The Movement Continues
Growing our reach, deepening our impact, and building the future that South LA deserves.
Impact by the Numbers
The Data Behind the Mission
Our outcomes speak for themselves — and behind every number is a person who refused to be a statistic.
Lives Transformed
Individuals served since 1991
Permanent Housing
Secured permanent housing in 2025
Mental Health Access
Accessed mental health services in 2025
Housing Beds
Across 6 South LA facilities
Our Leadership
The People Behind the Mission
Led by South LA community members who understand this work from the inside out — because many of them have lived it.
Kenya Croom
CEO
Larry Earl
Chief of Staff
Monique Arrington
Executive Director of Programs
Crissy Smith
HR Manager
Jonaee Coffey
Deputy Director of Operations
Community Voices
What Our Community Says
"Before ASF, I had a record and nowhere to go when I got out. The first night, they had a bed for me. By month three, I had a job. By month six, I had my own place. That's not luck — that's what this program does when you commit to it."
"The Rise & Thrive program helped me get my ID back, build a resume, and connect with an employer who gave me a real shot. I've been employed for 18 months now. I thought that door was closed forever."
Partners Who Amplify Our Impact
Stand With South LA
This Story Isn't Finished
The next chapter depends on who joins. Your investment in ASF directly advances our mission — housing, healing, and a path forward for justice-involved adults in South Los Angeles.
Secure donation powered by GiveLively. 501(c)(3) — fully tax-deductible. EIN: 95-4704879.