Who We Are

Our History

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Lonnie Walker

Turning Pain into Purpose: The Heart Behind J.O.Y. Baltimore

At J.O.Y. Baltimore (Just Our Youth), the mission runs deeper than service—it’s personal.
Founder and CEO Lonnie Walker knows the struggles of vulnerable youth because he lived them. Born and raised in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Lonnie turned his own experience with homelessness into a lifelong commitment to empowering at-risk youth with compassion, dignity, and hope.

From Homelessness to Hope: Lonnie’s Journey

Lonnie’s path wasn’t easy. Experiencing homelessness firsthand gave him a deep, unshakable understanding of the fear, loneliness, and instability so many young people face today.
Rather than let his struggles define him, Lonnie made them his purpose. In 2016, fueled by passion—and with nothing but an unemployment check—he founded J.O.Y. Baltimore to fight the growing crisis of youth homelessness in Baltimore City.
No grants. No outside funding. Just a vision: that no young person, no matter their background, gender identity, or circumstances, would be turned away.

Mission

At J.O.Y. Baltimore, we transform personal pain into purpose by empowering at-risk youth to survive, heal, and thrive. Through safe housing, mental health support, and career development, we build brighter futures for Baltimore’s most vulnerable young people. No one is ever turned away.

Vision

We envision a Baltimore where every young person—regardless of their past—has the opportunity, support, and hope to create a successful future. J.O.Y. Baltimore is committed to ending youth homelessness, one life at a time.

Our Core Values

Compassion-Driven Service

We believe in meeting every young person with dignity, empathy, and unconditional support. At J.O.Y. Baltimore, compassion fuels our mission to create safe spaces where at-risk youth are seen, heard, and empowered to heal and grow.

Resilience and Empowerment

We transform adversity into opportunity. Through mentorship, housing, mental health care, and career development, we empower youth to build resilience, reclaim their futures, and thrive against all odds.

Inclusivity and Belonging

Every young person deserves to belong. J.O.Y. Baltimore welcomes all youth, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances—creating a community where diversity is celebrated and every voice matters.

J.O.Y. BALTIMORE HEARTBEAT

Board of Directors

Nekia Hunter
Nekia Hunter
President & Chief Information Officer
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Ronda Allen-Bonner
Chief Operating Officer
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Denita Hawkins
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
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Russell A. Neverdon Sr.
Governance & Compliance Chair
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Ronda L. Cox
Community Engagement & Events Director
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Steven White
Advocacy & Community Engagement Director
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Nate Fields
Board Advisor
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Shountee Turner
Grant Board Advisor
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Starkeisha Tucker
Board Member
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Michelle Smalls
Fundraising & Grants Strategy Advisor
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Prentis Holloway
Youth & Community Engagement Advisor
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Samantha Carter
Grants & Fundraiser Director
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Albert Fluker
Programs & Impact Committee Director

Thank you to Our Partners and Sponsors

Join Our Community

"We believe a brighter future for youth is possible with your support."