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Our Board of Directors

A dedicated group of community leaders committed to advancing A Step to Freedom's mission — ensuring the organization remains financially sound, mission-focused, and accountable to South Los Angeles.

Our Governance

Guided by Purpose. Accountable to Community.

Meet the Board

Board of Directors

Our board brings expertise in nonprofit management, community development, law, and social enterprise — grounded in a shared commitment to South LA's transformation.

Board Officers
JI
Board President

Jimar Wilson

Community Leader, South Los Angeles

Executive Committee

SE
Secretary

Sebastian Lozano

[Profession — confirm with ASF]

Executive, Governance Committee

KE
Treasurer

Kendel Croom

[Profession — confirm with ASF]

Executive, Finance Committee

Board Members
KA

Karis Jones

[Profession — confirm with ASF]

[Committee — confirm with ASF]

LA

Lakeesha Alford

[Profession — confirm with ASF]

[Committee — confirm with ASF]

BR

Brandan Aldridge

[Profession — confirm with ASF]

[Committee — confirm with ASF]

Strategic Direction

Board Priorities 2025–2027

The board's strategic plan focuses on infrastructure, impact, and institutional sustainability for South LA's justice-involved adult community.

Expand Physical Infrastructure

Secure or expand permanent program space in South LA — creating a stable, dedicated hub for ASF's full continuum of housing, workforce, and mental health services.

Deepen Programmatic Impact

Scale participant capacity, strengthen the Rise & Thrive Workforce Accelerator, expand women's services following the 2024 site opening, and formalize outcome tracking for long-term data-driven improvement.

Strengthen Financial Sustainability

Diversify revenue through a balanced model of individual giving, institutional grants, and contracted services (ECM through Molina Healthcare and Anthem Blue Cross). Build operating reserves and reduce dependency on any single funding source.

Grow Board & Leadership Capacity

Recruit new board members with targeted expertise, formalize board orientation and continuing education, and develop the next generation of ASF organizational leaders from within the community.

Board-Led Initiatives

Current Campaigns

The board actively leads and participates in these campaigns to build long-term organizational strength.

Annual Campaign

Every Step Counts — 2025 Annual Fund

Our annual fund powers day-to-day programming — from case manager salaries and housing costs to outreach supplies and emergency support for individuals in crisis. Every gift, every year, keeps us going.

Campaign Goal $500,000
45% funded$225,000 raised

Annual Campaign: January 1 – December 31, 2025

Make Your Annual Gift
Board Match

Board Match — Double Your Impact

Our board has committed to matching every gift dollar-for-dollar up to a limited amount. Give now and your donation instantly doubles for South LA adults in our programs.

Campaign Goal Matching Fund

Contact us for current match details

Claim Your Match
Outreach

Warm the Streets 2025

Join us this winter as we take blankets, warm clothing, hygiene supplies, and resources directly to South LA's unhoused residents. 10,000+ blankets distributed since 2014 — and counting.

Campaign Goal 1,000+ Volunteers

November – February, annually

Volunteer for Outreach

Board Accountability

Our Numbers Speak

100

Board Giving

Every board member gives annually

6

Board Members

34

Years Governed

Fiduciary oversight since 1991

4

Annual Meetings

Plus committee meetings throughout the year