EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER

Sharell Wilson MSW, MS, LSW

Growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia, Sharell has witnessed how social injustices such as substance use, discrimination and the mass incarceration of underserved men and women have negatively impacted the very fibers of her community. Therefore, in efforts to combat these social ills she decided social services would be her field of study. Holding an associate degree from Community College of Philadelphia (Behavioral Health Human Services), in addition to a Bachelor and master’s degree in social work from Temple University, a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership from Lasalle University and a license in Social Work. Sharell is adamant about the significance of education and encourages as much to the children and youth ministry for which she serves on at her place of worship.

With an innate belief that in spite of the odds success is possible, her use of evidence-based practice and practical relatability and compassion for people, Sharell has committed over a decade working the frontline in both Philadelphia and Delaware Counties in the areas of substance abuse, (as a substance use therapist, evaluator and risk assessor), mental illness (as a therapist), criminal justice (as a substance use custody evaluator in the Philadelphia Prison System), community outreach (in the area of areas of homelessness and substance use disorders), as well as child welfare (as an intake case worker II).

Sharell strives to lead a purposeful life in service to others, deeming any encounter she has as an opportunity to plant seeds of hope. In fact during February 2019 she established non-profit organization Fruits of the Family Table, a multi-faceted program serving Philadelphia residents in the areas of re-entry, aging, substance use and healthy relationship building, with an overarching vision of all communities being free from the plagues that bound them; in the areas of substance use, mass incarceration, parenting and abuse/neglect of the aging. In its 6 years of existence Fruits of the Family Table has launched 3 program, including reintegration case management, a youth violence reduction program and a children’s crafting program and many initiatives to serve members of the aging community, individuals who are incarcerated, as well as the community at large. Her favorite quote is from author Erin Hanson, "There is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky. And you ask 'What if I fall?' Oh but my darling, What if you fly." And her favorite scripture is, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8

Case Manager

Lauren Cambridge, LSW

Lauren is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker and certified yoga instructor committed to fostering healing, resilience, and personal growth. With a passion for holistic well-being, she integrates trauma-informed care with mindfulness practices to support individuals on their journeys toward emotional and physical wellness.

Lauren earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Chestnut Hill College and her Master’s degree in Social Work from West Chester University. Her academic background, combined with hands-on experience, has shaped her holistic approach to care, emphasizing both mental health and overall well-being.

As a social worker, Lauren specializes in working with youth and young adults, guiding them through challenges such as anxiety, self-esteem struggles, and trauma recovery. She has extensive experience in drug and alcohol (D&A) case management, supporting individuals in accessing substance use treatment and recovery services. Additionally, she facilitates group therapy sessions in a psychiatric hospital setting, providing a structured and supportive space for individuals to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Her compassionate approach fosters empowerment, connection, and personal growth, ensuring that each individual feel seen and supported.

In addition to her work in social services, Lauren incorporates the principles of yoga into her practice, recognizing the profound connection between the mind and body. Through breathwork, movement, and meditation, she helps individuals tap into self-awareness, manage stress, and cultivate inner strength.

Lauren is the founder of Keep Growing and Glowing, where she blends social work and yoga to inspire others to grow with grace and glow with resilience. She is deeply committed to making wellness accessible, whether through therapeutic interventions, community programming, or mindful movement.

ReEntry Case Manager

Gabrielle blackwell, MSW

Gabrielle Blackwell is a dedicated and compassionate social worker who recently earned her Master’s in Social Work from West Chester University, where she also completed her Bachelor of Social Work. From a young age, Gabrielle was driven by a desire to positively impact the lives of others and help shape brighter futures through compassion, guidance, and support.

Raised in Philadelphia, Gabrielle's exposure to people from diverse backgrounds has instilled in her a deep sense of empathy, understanding, and a commitment to creating meaningful change within her community. Her professional experience includes working with a wide range of populations, including juvenile lifers, justice-involved individuals, those recently released from incarceration, individuals with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, histories of abuse and neglect, as well as those living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS.

Gabrielle completed her field placement at Fruits of Family Table, where she gained valuable hands-on experience and developed practical strategies to support individuals on their journeys toward healing and independence. She is passionate about listening to the stories and perspectives of those she serves, drawing inspiration from each unique experience.

Earning her master’s degree has further expanded Gabrielle’s ability to professionally guide individuals in creating and achieving long-term goals. She finds true fulfillment in supporting others through their most challenging moments and considers it a privilege to walk alongside them as they work toward stability, growth, and success.

MENTOR

JONATHAN WRENN

Jonathan Wrenn is a multi-talented professional with a diverse and accomplished career spanning several industries. As a software engineer, retired teacher, and medical office manager, Jonathan has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and service. His technical expertise is matched by his creativity and communication skills as a sound engineer, videographer, and content creator.
Jonathan is also a dedicated gardener and mentor, roles through which he nurtures both growth and community. He shares his knowledge and passion as a software engineer and content teacher, helping others advance in their personal and professional lives.
He is the founder and owner of Phillysnext LLC, a business venture dedicated to innovative media and technology solutions. In addition, he serves as president of the nonprofit organization Educate To Rejuvenate, which focuses on empowering communities through education. Driven by purpose and guided by a spirit of service, Jonathan Wrenn continues to inspire through his work, creativity, and commitment to uplifting others.

ReEntry & Violence Prevention Programs

Nadirah Bennett-Jiles

Nadirah considers herself to be a servant sent by God. She is devoted to helping individuals, adolescents, and families achieve their personal and collective goals. Nadirah is a solution focused thinker, she strives to devise a realistic plan in efforts to combat the problems in one's life that can impede on their overall wellbeing. As a resident in the inner city of Philadelphia, Nadirah learned that it was through her lenses she would learn how to navigate and function through the world. She believes it is through one's life experiences, established healthy support systems, developed self- will power, and spiritual ties to history, one will evolve into their own truth. Exposed to the inner-city everyday psychological trauma encounters from birth to death, Nadirah became curious to learn the ways of society, social relationships, social interaction, culture, and how the mind functions daily.

Nadirah completed her BA in Social Relations, with a concentration in Sociology at Cheyney University in 2009. In 2015, she completed her Masters in Social Work at Temple University, andthen became certified as a trained Prolonged Exposure Trauma Therapist. Nadirah believes that learning is the gateway to one’s success. She continues to have a heart for learning and encourages everyone she encounters to further their studies in an area of focus that suits their interest. Nadirah has practiced in inpatient and outpatient settings, working primarily with adults and adolescents. She uses a variety of modalities which incorporate best practice from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Psycho-education, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused, Reality Based, Short-term Problem Solving, and Spiritual Practices. Nadirah believes in a strengths based approach that is universal, invigorating and led by the individual needs of the client or family unit.

Staff/Board of Directors