Our Mission
To inspire hope and healing by providing effective mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and supportive services to underserved individuals, families and communities.
Our Vision
To ensure that all individuals, families and communities have access to support, education and treatment to effectively address the needs of mental health and substance abuse.
Meet Our Executive Director and Board Members
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Founder & Executive Director
Kawanna Ward, DCC, LCSW, CSAC, CSOTP, RPT-S Dr. Ward has provided mental health and substance abuse treatment to underserved populations since 1997. As a Doctor of Christian Counseling (DCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP) and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), Dr. Ward is committed to providing effective mental health and substance abuse treatment services to underserved populations. Dr. Ward is a proud member of the Suffolk Rotary, Suffolk Business Women, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an active Board member of the Suffolk YMCA, and the Board Treasurer of the Genieve Shelter. Dr. Ward is also the CEO/Senior Clinical Director of Providence Psychological Services, Inc. |
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Chairman
Lateacia Sessoms, LPC, RPT - Mrs. Sessoms is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) who is a native of Suffolk, VA. As a native of Suffolk, VA, and the proud owner of Connecting Communities, LLC, Mrs. Sessoms is a passionate leader in the community with more than 15 years of professional clinical experience serving underserved individuals, families and communities. |
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Vice Chairman
Renee L. White, BSW, C-CDF - Mrs. White is a native of Madison County Virginia, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), and a Certified Consumer Directed Facilitator (C-CDF) . Mrs. White is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and she has more than 20 years of experience in the field of social work, with a career focus in case management, adults with disabilities, seniors, and prisoner re-entry. |
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Secretary
Wanda Porter - Mrs. Porter is a native of Norfolk, VA and a proud wife and mother. Mrs. Porter has served a foster parent for more than 17 years, and she has more than two decades of experience working with vulnerable populations. Mrs. Porter has a passion to serve others in the community. |
Treasurer - Vacant
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Larry Brunson - Mr. Brunson serves as the Workforce Development Center coordinator for the city of Suffolk, and is also on board of directors of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). Mr. Brunson is a Certified Workforce Development Professional holding a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management and human resource management.
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Vernon Ward - Mr. Ward is a retired employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia after 35 years of service. Mr. Ward is a servant leader who is dedicated to serving the underserved. He spends his retirement volunteering and serving the underserved.
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Virginia Ward - Ms. Ward is a retired, "stay at home grandma", and professional volunteer. As a native of a rural underserved area, Ms. Ward is passionate about meeting the needs of marginalized individuals, families and communities .
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LaToya Shine-Mason, MBA - Ms. Shine-Mason holds a Master of Business of Administration focusing on marketing, advertising, and public relations. She has over 20 years of experience working with community service organizations. Ms. Shine-Mason is proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Mocha Moms, Inc., and is a member of the Board of Trustee of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.
LaToya Shine-Mason, MBA - Ms. Shine-Mason holds a Master of Business of Administration focusing on marketing, advertising, and public relations. She has over 20 years of experience working with community service organizations. Ms. Shine-Mason is proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Mocha Moms, Inc., and is a member of the Board of Trustee of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.
Renee T. Sandifer, BS, QIDP, QMHP - Mrs. Sandifer is a Native of Norfolk, VA and a graduate of Old Dominion University. Mrs. Sandifer has more than 15 years of experience with the Intellectual Disabilities (ID) population, and she is the proud owner of Essential Family Services where she assist individuals with ID in reaching there full potential.
Renee T. Sandifer, BS, QIDP, QMHP - Mrs. Sandifer is a Native of Norfolk, VA and a graduate of Old Dominion University. Mrs. Sandifer has more than 15 years of experience with the Intellectual Disabilities (ID) population, and she is the proud owner of Essential Family Services where she assist individuals with ID in reaching there full potential.