Who We Are
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Lonnie Walker
Lonnie Walker, the Founder and CEO of J.O.Y. Baltimore (Just Our Youth), was born and raised in the vibrant community of Red Hook, Brooklyn, NYC. With over 30 years of experience working directly with youth and young adults, Lonnie has dedicated his life to helping vulnerable young people find stability and hope. His deep passion for supporting at-risk youth reflects one of the purest forms of service and commitment.
Lonnie’s mission is deeply personal. He experienced homelessness himself, which allows him to relate to the fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness that so many young people face. Having walked that difficult path, Lonnie understands firsthand how someone can become homeless and, more importantly, what it takes to rebuild. His lived experience gives him a unique ability to connect with the youth he serves—not just as a mentor, but as someone who truly understands their struggles and challenges.
In 2016, after witnessing a growing crisis of youth homelessness in Baltimore City, Lonnie took a bold step. Without external funding and relying solely on his unemployment check, he founded J.O.Y. Baltimore to create a safe haven for homeless, displaced, and runaway youth and young adults. While J.O.Y. Baltimore primarily serves individuals ages 12 to 26, no one is ever turned away. Everyone, regardless of background, gender identity, or sexual orientation, is welcomed with open arms and treated with dignity and respect. There is always a seat at J.O.Y.’s table for those in need.
What started as a personal mission has become a trusted lifeline for hundreds of young people and families. J.O.Y. Baltimore now provides critical resources, including:
✔️ Emergency and transitional housing assistance
✔️ Mental health and substance abuse support
✔️ Job and career development services
✔️ Life skills training
✔️ Community outreach and support networks
Lonnie’s unwavering dedication to helping the next generation defines J.O.Y. Baltimore’s mission: to give Just Our Youth the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. His ability to share his own story of overcoming homelessness inspires the youth he serves and proves that a better future is possible.
By focusing on youth homelessness and providing immediate and long-term support, J.O.Y. Baltimore continues to change lives and create brighter futures.
MEET THE BOARD
The Heartbeat of J.O.Y. 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?
Whatever inspires you to take action, J.O.Y. Baltimore (Just Our Youth) is here to help you turn that passion into meaningful change. Founded by Lonnie Walker, who once faced homelessness himself, J.O.Y. Baltimore understands the challenges young people face and the resources they need to succeed.
Your support helps provide essential services like housing, mental health support, career development, and life skills training—empowering youth to rebuild their lives and create a path toward stability. From homelessness and education to advocacy and empowerment, every contribution directly supports programs that uplift young people and create lasting opportunities.
With a proven track record of transforming lives, J.O.Y. Baltimore ensures that your support creates a ripple effect—building stronger futures for youth and the community.
Make a difference today. Real impact starts with you.
J.O.Y. 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.”
J.O.Y. Baltimore Programs and Initiatives
Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors
