- Rooted in relationship, not just referral Structured accountability with human compassion Impact you can see because we measure what matters
Lakeeta ''Lala'' Burnette
Lakeeta “Lala” Burnette didn’t start Community Grapevines from a boardroom. She built it from the ground up, shaped by real experience, real relationships, and a real understanding of what it means to need support and not find it.
Her work is rooted in meeting people where they are, not where systems expect them to be. From returning citizens rebuilding their lives to young people searching for direction, seniors seeking connection, and families navigating impossible transitions, Lala has shown up consistently with compassion, structure, and purpose.
Under her leadership, Community Grapevines has grown into a trusted community anchor, delivering measurable impact with integrity, accountability, and care. She doesn’t just lead programs. She leads people.
The thread running through every CG program — restoring what disconnection breaks — started with her. Lala understands from experience, not just theory, what it means to need connection and find a closed door. That understanding is the architecture of Community Grapevines
Lakeeta "Lala" Burnette
Aaron Charles
Joshua Boyd
Charmaine Young
Elton Norman, Esq.
Dr. Jamel Reed
Richard Johnson Jr
Anita King
Ricardo Miles
Mirra Peterson
Kesha Faison
Rachel Luckenbaugh
Ny'Azja Burnette
Returning Citizens Support
Incarceration breaks connection. Coming home means rebuilding it. We walk alongside returning citizens as they restore their place in family, community, and economic life — with individualized planning, mentorship, and resource navigation that honors the whole person, not just the case file
- Individualized reentry planning and case support.
- Life skills, workforce readiness, and resource navigation
- Mentorship and community-based support services
Youth Programming with Schools
Young people don’t disengage from systems for no reason — they disengage because systems fail to connect with them. We partner with schools to create the relationships, spaces, and structures that keep young people anchored before disconnection becomes their story.
- In-school and after-school enrichment programming
- Academic support and literacy-focused activities
- Social-emotional learning and positive youth development
Senior Programming
Aging can mean becoming invisible. Our senior programs refuse that. Through consistent, accessible programming, we ensure our elders are seen, engaged, and connected — because belonging doesn’t expire
- Social engagement and community-based activities
- Wellness-focused programming for healthy aging
- Safe spaces that promote connection and belonging
Youth Success & Resilience Services
Resilience is not something young people need to discover alone. It is something they build in relationship. Our youth resilience services pair mentorship, life skills, and community with the kind of consistent presence that tells a young person: you are not on your own.
- Mentorship, guidance, and academic encouragement
- Social-emotional learning and life skills development
- Community-based activities that promote confidence and resilience
Trade Assistance Programs
Workforce disconnection is economic disconnection. Grapevines WorkConnect restores the link between talent and opportunity — through skills training, certifications, and employer relationships that open real doors for people the labor market has overlooked.
- Hands-on skills training and workforce readiness
- Support with certifications, tools, and trade pathways
- Career exploration and income-generating opportunities
Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship
Financial systems are not designed to be navigated alone, and many of the people we serve were never taught to navigate them at all. We change that — with practical financial education, credit-building support, and entrepreneurship training that connects people to economic life on their own terms.
- Financial education, budgeting, and credit-building support
- Entrepreneurship training and business development guidance
- Access to resources that promote financial stability and growth
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.
How can I volunteer or get involved?
We welcome volunteers, community partners, and supporters. Visit our Volunteer or Get Involved page to learn more about current opportunities.
Is this a non profit organization?
Yes. Community Grapevines is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible and directly support Community Grapevines’ programs and services.
Do you partner with businesses or organizations?
Yes. We collaborate with businesses, schools, and community partners to support our programs and community initiatives.
How are donations used?
Every donation funds the relationships, programs, and staff that make reconnection possible — across youth mentorship, senior engagement, reentry support, and workforce development.
Who can receive services?
Anyone who has experienced disconnection — from stability, from opportunity, from community, or from themselves. We serve youth, returning citizens, seniors, and families navigating transition.