Directors

Gwenevere EV. Funderburk, Executive Director - Is always available to anyone who needs help; and to her credit she has raised 52 children whom for over 25 years have slept, did homework and ate meals at her home. Wherever, she lived people sought her council, her mothering/nurturing attitude makes you open up to her. Devoted to her creator, she believes that we are all his children, and who are we to say no to another man, or judge him for his/her past deeds. She is described as the rock, never looking for payment, and if asked why, she smiles and says "my payment is to see the look in a man's eyes when he can read his own name, or a mother, who for the first time has a decent job to better her children's life.it I can't explain why , I do it, I just do it, because it feels good."

Ardrea Hamilton 1960-2011 - Due to her passion and concerns involving domestic violence and abuse, Ms. Hamilton was approached by Ms. Funderburk to join TSOYAA in 2008. Also in 2008, the current members appointed her to the Board of Director and due to a vacant slot for the Director of Programs and Social Service Manager feeling that she was a suitable person to oversee the design and and implementation of new and ongoing programs, while providing guidance to other Program Directors.

Unfortunately, we lost our angel here on earth in 2011. She is gone, but truly not forgotten.

Carolyn M. Olidge, Assistant Director - As the Artistic Director, Owner of Framework Theatrical Arts, from 1973 to 2010. Framework Theatrical Arts was a self-sustained volunteer community based theatrical ensemble; providing training and instruction to adults, teens and children in areas of music, voice, drama, dance, nutrition, exercise. This training opens the doors to self-discovery, learning about life and self through the theater, the fine arts, design and technology. Ms. Olidge and Ms. Funderburk, long time friends and sisters are devoted and dedicated to reaching out to all people, as a force in making positive changes in the lives of children, teens and adults. To Save Our Young And Adults, Inc. is a spin-off of Framework. This organization was founded on helping others to be self-reliant, responsible, caring, confident, to gain self-esteem.

Palma J. Saunders, Director of Administration - Palma whom demonstrates compassion for her fellow man, she was approached in 2007 and agreed to join TSOYAA. She was later appointed as Board of Director and due to of her vast knowledge of human resources, management administrative services in the Government and/or Private sector, has earned her the position of Director of Administration.

John E. Young, Director of Operations - A loyal and devoted volunteer since.1992, John has worked in several fields, which prepared him for his work with TSOYAA,Inc. With experience in areas such as construction, asset protection, property management and most notably, Security and Safety Advisor. As a result in joining TSOYAA full time, he worked at Job Corps, it provided him with direct exposure to the inner-workings of a similar organization. During his employment with Job Corps, John retained his love in helping at-risk youth recognize their full potential, due to his compassion, he often found himself acting as a counselor. This resulted in his receiving the respect of the youth, as is evidenced by the many cards, copies of certificates and thanks from parents. John is a welcome addition to TSOYAA; his input will no doubt provide the balance needed.

Willie Sibert, Assistant Director of Operations - An exceptional member since 2006, Willie has been employed in a variety of fields, from Nursing Assistant - Security, which prepared him for his tenure with TSOYAA,Inc. Willie's (POP) vast knowledge and experience on the inner-workings of small-to-large facilities lends to his charm and compassion for what is warranted to reinforce the Operations Department. Upon joining TSOYAA, Willie quickly provided input on fund-raising, what types of supplies would be needed and in concert with John Young, how they are best able to provide and manage the much needed maintenance and
security for the Help Center. A quite and genteel individual is what makes him stand out among the many people joining and leaving TSOYAA. It pleases us to say that his big-heart guides us closer to our mission, because it was his vision as well.

Johnnia Ziglar, Deputy Director of Culture and Etiquette (Deceased 2017) - Mama Johnni, as she was fondly called by those close to her, does exemplify class. Always poised and composed even in times when most people would yell and scream. Her soothing voice truly does calm the savage beast. Just to be in her presence,she commands respect and gives it in return. If you asked what her role is, she will tell you "I am here to bring out the best in the people that I help, I work with them from day one of the program and I am the last person to teach them when they have completed their training. I prepare them for all sorts of social settings, proper attire, positive attitude and last, but not least, help them understand, that "the most expensive lesson, is a bought one." I have been blessed, and want to give back to the future generations.

Charles Moody, Executive Vice President Technical Services- Chaz as he is so fondly called, brings to D.E.M. a wide variety of experience in the information technical field such as airport runway, application hosting, CAD (computerized design)

systems integration design services and computer equipment repair and maintenance services without retailing new

computers, as well as the installation of cable and phone service all of which is the training he provides to our clients and depending on how well they do, an internship with the possibility of permanent employment in the IT field with his company Itechnoserv, LLC.

Levonne Carter, Deputy Director, Basic & Domestic Life Skills - Bonnie a name that suits her in so many ways. Levonne's objective is provide training to individuals transitioning to their own residence as the final step towards independence . Through this endeavor, participants will learn to manage a household budget, prepare nutritional yet reasonable meals for their family.