Nehemiah Project LA, Inc. (NPLA) was originally founded by Bishop Ed Smith who has an immense heart to serve youth, especially those transitioning out of the foster care system. NPLA initially started in 2017 as a ministry outreach program under Zoe Christian Fellowship in Whittier, CA, where Bishop Smith was the Founding and Lead Pastor. Leveraging his deep community connections and 40+ years of leadership, building businesses, and collaborating with community partners, he turned a vision into reality very quickly. Bishop Smith has now transitioned out of his role at the church and is leading NPLA full-time as the organization's CEO.
In 2021, the organization was officially structured as a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is on track for rapid growth and scaling as a startup nonprofit. In January 2022, we opened our first permanent supportive house for former foster youth females, ages 20-26. We have collaborated with partners such as the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services, the City of Whittier, For Others Foundation, Whittier Area Community Church (WACC), Care Portal, Change Reaction, St. Joseph Center, the Orange County Community Foundation's African American Alliance Fund, LISCLA, and United Way LA, just to name a few.
A collaborative-based network to provide support to other growing nonprofits serving TAYs.
Provide services to connect former foster youth with needed resources such as food, housing, transportation, and other support services.
A safe and supportive 2-year permanent housing program for housing-insecure TAYs, with supportive services for self-sufficiency and economic mobility.
A collaborative-based network to provide support to other growing nonprofits serving TAYs.
OUR PLAN
Bishop Ed Smith
Shari Scott
Kathi Davis
Bishop Ed Smith
Shari Scott
Kathi Davis
Bishop Ed Smith
Edward A. Smith was born in Los Angeles. He is the Founder and CEO of Nehemiah Project LA. He was the founding Pastor and CEO of Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier, Chancellor of the Joseph Business School for the Los Angeles Region, Founder of Awyken, and Bishop of Zoe Association of Churches and Businesses. Bishop Ed is excited as he embarks on this new chapter of his life and brings his many years of business and fundraising to support former foster youth in Los Angeles County and around the nation.
Deborah Mayes
Deborah Mayes currently functions as Finance Director at a growing human service organization in the Southern California area. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from USC and a Masters in Business Administration from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management.
Kathy Saigeon
President and Executive Director Christian Foundation of America, a Christian Community foundation serving the United States. Katherine has 30+ years executive experience in philanthropy, including, the Fuller Foundation, The California Endowment, and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Previously a CPA with Price Waterhouse, Kathy is currently a member of the AICPA and CalCPA. Ms. Saigeon is a member of Kingdom Advisors, and serves on Boards of several charity and ministry organizations.
Keith Nelson
Kieth Nelson’s mission is to use technology to serve others and bring greater effectiveness to businesses. His technical leadership has included working with companies such as Sun Microsystems and Oracle. Keith holds a PhD in Computer Science. He is an active member of the CalTech/MIT Enterprise Forum and serves on the board of CompTia.
Jessica Chandler
Jessica Chandler spent most of her adolescence bouncing between group homes and Juvenile Hall until she emancipated at age 18. Since then Jessica received her bachelor's degree in psychology, and Masters of Social Work from Cal State University Northridge. She is a national advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. She sits on the Board of Education Coordinating Council (ECC), and previously served on the State Youth Council (SYC) as the Los Angeles County Ambassador for child welfare.
Bishop Ed Smith
Edward A. Smith was born in Los Angeles. He is the Founder and CEO of Nehemiah Project LA. He was the founding Pastor and CEO of Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier, Chancellor of the Joseph Business School for the Los Angeles Region, Founder of Awyken, and Bishop of Zoe Association of Churches and Businesses. Bishop Ed is excited as he embarks on this new chapter of his life and brings his many years of business and fundraising to support former foster youth in Los Angeles County and around the nation.
Deborah Mayes
Deborah Mayes currently functions as Finance Director at a growing human service organization in the Southern California area. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from USC and a Masters in Business Administration from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management.
President and Executive Director Christian Foundation of America, a Christian Community foundation serving the United States. Katherine has 30+ years executive experience in philanthropy, including, the Fuller Foundation, The California Endowment, and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Previously a CPA with Price Waterhouse, Kathy is currently a member of the AICPA and CalCPA. Ms. Saigeon is a member of Kingdom Advisors, and serves on Boards of several charity and ministry organizations.
Keith Nelson
Kieth Nelson’s mission is to use technology to serve others and bring greater effectiveness to businesses. His technical leadership has included working with companies such as Sun Microsystems and Oracle. Keith holds a PhD in Computer Science. He is an active member of the CalTech/MIT Enterprise Forum and serves on the board of CompTia.
Jessica Chandler
Jessica Chandler spent most of her adolescence bouncing between group homes and Juvenile Hall until she emancipated at age 18. Since then Jessica received her bachelor's degree in psychology, and Masters of Social Work from Cal State University Northridge. She is a national advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. She sits on the Board of Education Coordinating Council (ECC), and previously served on the State Youth Council (SYC) as the Los Angeles County Ambassador for child welfare.