About Us
president, Executive Director
I am Naima Cannedy-Powell, Founder and Director of the Lighthouse Family Youth Agency (LFYA), a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our purpose is to ensure that vulnerable youth gain stability in a nurturing and safe home environment by caregivers who can love and support them. LFYA began out of a God-inspired passion and a long-term commitment of providing youth the security of knowing someone else loves and cares about their well-being. As a social worker, advocate and liaison for children, youth and their families it’s been my personal goal to bridge the gaps that reshape and empower them.
LFYA is committed to providing temporary or long-term housing and care for girls until they can either successfully re-unite with their biological parents, receive permanent placement with a loving family and/or sustain self-sufficiency to live on their own. We assist our youth with achieving developmental task, empowering them to achieve their goals for success in life and preparing them with the competencies, attitudes and confidence needed to become responsible, productive members of the community.
Important Facts
According to the Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association (PSRFA) young PA girls in foster care are two and a half times more likely to become pregnant by 19, than young girls were not in foster care. In 2013, there were more than 8,000 youth 13 and older who lived in the foster care system in PA. Using data from both PSRFA and the Department of Human Services in Philadelphia, there are approximately 15,000 PA children currently in foster care who are experiencing the following:
- On average, 1,100 PA youth “age out” of foster care or leave the system at 18 or older which has contributed to them never ending up with a stable, permanent family situation. Oftentimes they are left on their own; with few or no financial resources, limited education, training and employment; homeless, and with little or no support from family, or friends.
- One in four PA youth who “age out” of the system, experience homelessness, struggle with mental health challenges such as depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorders, with nearly 1 in 4 youth having been arrested since leaving care.
- Nearly half of PA foster care youth haven’t found a job four years after leaving the system and struggle to pay bills. Nearly half who “age out” will not complete high school and are twice as likely to drop out as other.
- According to the Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association (PSRFA) young PA girls in foster care are two and a half times more likely to become pregnant by 19, than young girls were not in foster care. In 2013, there were more than 8,000 youth 13 and older who lived in the foster care system in PA. Using data from both PSRFA and the Department of Human Services in Philadelphia, there are approximately 15,000 PA children currently in foster care who are experiencing the following:
- On average, 1,100 PA youth “age out” of foster care or leave the system at 18 or older which has contributed to them never ending up with a stable, permanent family situation. Oftentimes they are left on their own; with few or no financial resources, limited education, training and employment; homeless, and with little or no support from family, or friends.
- One in four PA youth who “age out” of the system, experience homelessness, struggle with mental health challenges such as depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorders, with nearly 1 in 4 youth having been arrested since leaving care.
- Nearly half of PA foster care youth haven’t found a job four years after leaving the system and struggle to pay bills. Nearly half who “age out” will not complete high school and are twice as likely to drop out as other.
ALL HANDS IN...IT TRULY TAKES A VILLAGE
BOARD MEMBERS
Secretary
General Member
Secretary
Nadine White is an active member of the North Philadelphia community. Through her dedication to volunteering and desire to uplift her community, she coordinates and supports her local center with bi-monthly food distribution and connect neighbors with available resources. In her spare time, she performs secretarial services for her local
Nadine White is an active member of the North Philadelphia community. Through her dedication to volunteering and desire to uplift her community, she coordinates and supports her local center with bi-monthly food distribution and connect neighbors with available resources. In her spare time, she performs secretarial services for her local state representative's office. She was recently awarded for her contributions and volunteerism by the Brewerytown-Sharswood Community Civic Association. For over 25 years she has been vigilant in supporting and aiding women, children, and families both professionally and through spiritual guidance. She also serves as the Assistant Pastor of the New Faith Non-Denominational House of Prayer facilitating outreach initiatives, counseling, and helping provide food and clothing to members of the Southwest Philadelphia community. Nadine has a passion for education, currently holds an associate degree in Business, and has taught in the private school sector with special needs children in grades K-8th. She has worked as an administrative assistant drafting lesson plans, organizing, and maintaining school records. She lives by the Mantra of "if I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain".
Treasurer
General Member
Secretary
Kenya Mathis is an accountant for the government in the city of Chester, PA. She has over 18 years analyzing financial data, preparing a variety of financial records and reports including responding to accounting inquires for organizations and City departments, alike. For the past 8 years she has focused her time and attention on voluntee
Kenya Mathis is an accountant for the government in the city of Chester, PA. She has over 18 years analyzing financial data, preparing a variety of financial records and reports including responding to accounting inquires for organizations and City departments, alike. For the past 8 years she has focused her time and attention on volunteering for the city of Chester. Kenya believes that finances is not only a fundamental part of academic excellence, but the building blocks of critical thinking from early education and beyond. During undergrad Kenya served as Treasure for the National Association for Black Accountants (N.A.B.A.) Lincoln University, Pa. chapter. Kenya joined LFYA in 2018 as Treasure. She holds a B.S. in Accounting and a master's in Business Administration. She has a diverse background in banking, accounting, investments and small business ownership.
General Member
General Member
General Member
Anitra J. Green is a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years' experience in the field as a mental health professional. She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from West Chester University and a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked in a variety of settings which include hospitals,
Anitra J. Green is a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years' experience in the field as a mental health professional. She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from West Chester University and a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked in a variety of settings which include hospitals, schools, partial programs, and outpatient clinics. Anitra is the founder of Grieving with Hope, which supports grieving individuals and offers support, resources and an annual conference unite those who are on a grief journey. Anitra is the proud Ceo of Taylormade Behavioral Health Solutions, LC which opened its door March 22, 2021. Taylormade B.H.S. is a mental health counseling and consulting organization which provides mental health counseling and training to individuals, groups and organizations. Taylormade B.H.S. specializes in grief and loss counseling and trainings. Anitra spent over 12 years servicing (K-12 leadership) providing counseling and clinical services to elementary school students. Her unique skill sets have assisted countless families, individuals and communities navigate through journeys with a sense of hope and a genuine support factor.