Mission

Empowering People & Changing Lives

Community Grapevines exists to support individuals and families navigating life's transitions and challenges. Our programs focus on wellness, education, reentry support, and community connection — because growth and stability should be accessible to everyone.

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Why Work With Us

Benefits of Working With Community Grapevines

Community Grapevines was founded to address the gaps in access to services for youth, returning citizens, seniors, and families. Too many individuals work to rebuild their lives without adequate resources or support. We provide structured, person-centered programming that connects people with the services, skills, and opportunities they need to achieve stability and long-term success.

Meet Our Founder

Founder/CEO

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.

Board of Directors & Organizational Leadership

Community Grapevines, Inc. is governed by an active Board of Directors that provides fiduciary oversight and strategic direction. The organization is led by a professional management team with deep expertise in reentry, wellness, youth development, and community services.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lakeeta "Lala" Burnette

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Aaron Charles

Vice Chair, Board of Directors.

Charmaine Young

Secretary/Treasurer

Elton Norman, Esq.

Board Member & Legal Counsel

Joshua Boyd

Board Member | Director of Communications & Social Media.

Dr. Jamel Reed

Board Member & Vice Chair | Director of Reentry Initiatives.

STAFF

Anita King

Chief Financial Officer

Ricardo Miles

Chief Program Officer

Mirra Peterson

Director of Wellness & Case Management

Kesha Faison

Director of Workforce Development

Rachel Luckenbaugh

Grants & Development Manager

Ny'Azja Burnette

Intake Coordinator
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.

Youth Programming with Schools

Partnering with schools to offer enriching programs that keep students engaged.

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.

Youth Success & Resilience Services

Empowering youth to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Trade Assistance Programs

Helping individuals gain skills and certifications in various trades.

Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage money, build credit, and start and grow their own business.
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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.