• Welcome to Community Grapevines Inc.
  • Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area
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Mission

Empowering People & Changing Lives

Community Grapevines, Inc. exists to support youth, returning citizens, seniors, and families through education, wellness, reentry support, and community-based resources that promote stability, dignity, and long-term growth.

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(202) 656-6882

Why Work With Us

Benefits of Working With Community Grapevines

Community Grapevines was created because too many people are expected to keep going while they’re breaking. Youth navigating instability. Returning citizens restarting their lives. Seniors aging without enough support. We believe people deserve access to care, rest, and resources without shame. We meet people where they are—not where the world thinks they should be—and walk alongside them as they rebuild.
  • Leadership & Professional Development
  • Mission-Driven & Supportive Team
  • Meaningful Community Impact
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Meet Our Founder

Founder/CEO

Lakeeta ''Lala'' Burnette

Lakeeta (LaLa) Burnette founded Community Grapevines Inc. in 2023 with a mission rooted in lived experience, compassion, and service. Her work focuses on empowering vulnerable communities through reentry support, youth mentorship, senior wellness, and family reunification.

Inspired by years of hands-on community service, Ms. Burnette brings trauma-informed care, mental health advocacy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk youth, returning citizens, and seniors. Her leadership is driven by resilience, purpose, and a commitment to helping others thrive.

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Meet Our Team

Aaron Charles

Deputy Executive Director

Anita King

Chief Financial Officer

Ricardo Miles

Chief Program Officer

Sophia Lafontant

Director of Development

Mirra Peterson

Director of Wellness & Health

Joshua Boyd

Director of Community Relations

Dr. Jamel Reed

Director of Re-Entry

Rahim Jenkins

Director of Program Operations

Charmaine Young

Secretary/Treasurer

Kesha Faison

Community Engagement & Re-Entry Partnerships
Programs & Areas of Impact ​

Focused initiatives addressing community wellness, stability, and growth.

Returning Citizens Support

We provide comprehensive support for individuals re-entering society after incarceration, helping them rebuild their lives and thrive.
  • Individualized reentry planning and case support.
  • Life skills, workforce readiness, and resource navigation
  • Mentorship and community-based support services
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Youth Programming with Schools

Partnering with schools to offer enriching programs that keep students engaged.
  • In-school and after-school enrichment programming
  • Academic support and literacy-focused activities
  • Social-emotional learning and positive youth development
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Senior Programming

Our senior programs reduce isolation and promote healthy aging by strengthening community connection. Through consistent, accessible activities, we support seniors’ physical, emotional, and social well-being while fostering belonging and engagement.

  • Social engagement and community-based activities
  • Wellness-focused programming for healthy aging
  • Safe spaces that promote connection and belonging
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At-Risk Youth Services

Empowering youth to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
  • Mentorship, guidance, and academic encouragement
  • Social-emotional learning and life skills development
  • Community-based activities that promote confidence and resilience
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Trade Assistance Programs

Helping individuals gain skills and certifications in various trades.
  • Hands-on skills training and workforce readiness
  • Support with certifications, tools, and trade pathways
  • Career exploration and income-generating opportunities
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Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage money, build credit, and start and grow their own business.
  • Financial education, budgeting, and credit-building support
  • Entrepreneurship training and business development guidance
  • Access to resources that promote financial stability and growth
About More
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Frequently Asked Questions

We believe transparency builds trust. Below are answers to common questions about donating, volunteering, and supporting Community Grapevines.
How can I make a donation?

Making a donation is easy. Visit our Campaigns page to choose the program or initiative you’d like to support. Select your campaign, choose an amount, and complete your donation securely online. Your contribution goes directly toward the program you select.

We welcome volunteers, community partners, and supporters. Visit our Volunteer or Get Involved page to learn more about current opportunities.

Yes. Community Grapevines is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

All donations are tax-deductible and directly support Community Grapevines’ programs and services.

 

Yes. We collaborate with businesses, schools, and community partners to support our programs and community initiatives.

Donations support our community-based programs, including youth mentorship, senior engagement, reentry support, and wellness initiatives.

Youth, returning citizens, seniors, and families in need of support.
Most services are free or low-cost thanks to donors and partners.
Click “Get Help” and complete the intake form.
No. We focus on access, not barriers.
You can support Community Grapevines by volunteering your time, making a donation, partnering with us, or spreading the word about our programs within your community.