For Original Article visit: Frontline Soldiers Honors Nine – South Bay Black Journal Frontline Soldiers Honors Nine Article by Allana B. Duncan| Special to South Bay Black Journal
Pathways to Your Future (PTYF) Visit www.ptyf.org to learn more about Pathways to Your Future (PTYF) and the Frontline Soldiers Wall of Fame. Founded in January 2000 by Gerald E. Thompson and his wife Linda B. Thompson. This year non-profit 501 c3 contributions are being awarded to HSS, Inc. housing and supported services www.hss-inc.org or call (323) 531.0009 info@hss-inc.org or nicole-thompson@hss-inc.org
On the morning of Oct.11, Pathways to Your Future (PTYF) hosted its 25th Frontline Soldiers Awards Wall of Fame Breakfast and Fundraiser at The Proud Bird in Los Angeles sponsored in part by Community Empowerment & Resource Consultants, Inc. CERC. The Frontline Soldiers Wall of Fame acknowledges some people consider them as hero’s/sheros we know them as Frontline Soldiers, individuals who overcame personal challenges and serve on the frontline as soldiers in their communities committed to fighting social issues such as hunger, homelessness, poverty, substance abuse and violence.
Emceed by comedian Joe Torry, attendees laughed and delighted their appetites as they celebrated the incredible work of PYTF and other community organizations. Keynote speaker Veronica Lewis, former Director of SSG Division “HOPICS” gave an insightful speech about the importance of prioritizing the overall wellbeing of nonprofit and community organization employees and volunteers to guarantee their ability to provide the highest standard of service. 

Congresswoman Maxine Waters shared a powerful message reminding attendees of the importance of the upcoming Statewide Special Election next month and value of citizens of the Los Angeles’s community’s vote.
The organization inducted nine new members into its Frontline Soldiers Awards Wall of Fame: Richard Ayoub, CEO of Project Angelfood, Melvyn Hayward, Senior Director, Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD), Stanzo Jackson, Broker at Movon Realty, Noreen McClendon, Executive Director of Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles, Alonza Mitchell, Founder of New Beginnings Fellowship Center, Michelle Perkins, Founder and Executive Director of Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Program, Inc., Denise Shook, President/CEO of Behavioral Health Services, Franco Vega, Executive Director of The RightWay Foundation, and Troy Vaughn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Christ-Centered Ministries.
Pathways to Your Future (PTYF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing “comprehensive education, health and human services to reduce homelessness of underserved individuals, youth and families while promoting their development and enriching the communities they live in.”
Thanks to all in attendance and supporters. Look for announcements and the “Save The Date” for the 26th Anniversary. See you in 2026.

We would like to always remember and give thanks to our long-standing relationships and collaborative partners, for the work they do to provide services for the un-housed because it isn’t a one shoe fits all. These are a few relationships that have honored us with their support: Partner Acknowledgements: Cercy.net LAHSA – Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Housing | HOPIC,   Joyride Bike Rentals & Tours, New Life Global Development Corp – Vision | Passion | Leadership | Act to name a few. Samaritan partnership information

ABOUT PTYF  is to reach as many homeless neighbors as possible on or near the street with the social and financial assistance needed to find a home. Donors can contribute to or collaborative agency HSS, INC. by going to https://www.hss-inc.org/ Despite the undeniable visibility of the problem, it is not being seen that indelibly marks someone experiencing homelessness. When a person is brought to beg strangers for help with a cardboard sign, it is clear they experience both financial and relational poverty.