Who We Are
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Lonnie Walker
Founder and Development Director of JOY Baltimore, Lonnie was born and raised in the vibrant community of Red Hook, Brooklyn, NYC. With over 30 years of hands-on experience working with youth and young adults, he has dedicated his life to creating brighter futures for the next generation. His unwavering passion for helping young people stands as one of the most remarkable acts of joy and service one person can offer.
Having once faced the reality of being just one step away from homelessness himself, Lonnie deeply understands the struggles and needs of at-risk youth. His compassionate, firsthand experience fuels his unique approach—meeting young people where they are and addressing their most immediate needs.
In 2016, witnessing the rising number of homeless youth in Baltimore City, Lonnie took bold action. With his extensive knowledge in youth services, no external funding, and only his unemployment check to rely on, he launched JOY Baltimore. Since then, the organization has become a beacon of hope, providing life-changing support to hundreds of homeless, displaced, runaway, and LGBTQIA+ youth and families. Through JOY Baltimore, these individuals gain access to the vital resources they need to thrive and build brighter, more stable futures.
MEET THE BOARD
The Heartbeat of JOY Baltimore
Nekia Hunter
President & CIO
“She develops innovative strategies and solutions to drive organizational growth, integrate technology, and create valuable resources.”
Ronda Allen-Bonner
Director of Operations
“She oversees daily operations at JOY Baltimore, optimizes processes, and ensures the efficient delivery of programs and services.”
Denita Hawkins
Treasurer
“He is committed to leading initiatives that empower and support all youth while fostering inclusivity, growth, and community impact.”
Russell A. Neverdon Sr.
Governance & Compliance Chair
“She oversees daily operations at JOY Baltimore, optimizes processes, and ensures the efficient delivery of programs and services.”
Albert Fluker
Programs & Impact Committee Director
“He is committed to leading initiatives that empower and support all youth while fostering inclusivity, growth, and community impact.”
Ronda L. Cox
Community Engagement & Events Director
“She develops innovative strategies and solutions to drive organizational growth, integrate technology, and create valuable resources.”
Prentis Holloway
Youth Engagement & Community Engagement Advisor
“He is committed to leading initiatives that empower and support all youth while fostering inclusivity, growth, and community impact.”
Steven White
Advocacy & Community Engagement Director
“She oversees daily operations at JOY Baltimore, optimizes processes, and ensures the efficient delivery of programs and services.”
Samantha Carter
Grants & Fundraiser Director
“She develops innovative strategies and solutions to drive organizational growth, integrate technology, and create valuable resources.”
Nate Fields
Board Advisor
“He is committed to leading initiatives that empower and support all youth while fostering inclusivity, growth, and community impact.”
Michelle Smalls
Fundraising & Grants Strategy Advisor
“He is committed to leading initiatives that empower and support all youth while fostering inclusivity, growth, and community impact.”
Shountee Turner
Grant Board Advisor
“She oversees daily operations at JOY Baltimore, optimizes processes, and ensures the efficient delivery of programs and services.”
Starkeisha Tucker
Board Member
“She develops innovative strategies and solutions to drive organizational growth, integrate technology, and create valuable resources.”
Ready to Make an Impact?
“Regardless of what drives you to take action, J.O.Y. Baltimore is here to help you turn your passion into meaningful support for all youth, including LGBTQIA+, creating a lasting impact on your community and future generations.”
“From homelessness and education to mental health, advocacy, and empowerment, our expertise ensures that your contributions directly uplift youth in need. With a proven track record of impactful programs, we maximize your support to create sustainable, life-changing opportunities that last well into the future.”
JOY Baltimore Mission
“J.O.Y. Baltimore is dedicated to empowering and uplifting all youth facing homelessness and displacement, with a special focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. Founded by Lonnie Walker, who has firsthand experience with adversity, J.O.Y. Baltimore provides crucial resources and support to those in need.
Our J.O.Y. Drop-In Center offers essential services, including medical care, emergency shelter, food, counseling, and crisis intervention. Additionally, our bi-monthly market, The Boutique, along with mentorship programs, ensures that youth have access to necessities, guidance, and meaningful opportunities.
With a deep commitment to respecting each individual’s dignity, we strive to create a foundation of hope, belonging, and a brighter future.
Together, we bring JOY to Baltimore’s youth.”
JOY Baltimore Programs and Initiatives
Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors
