Our Mission
The mission of the New Direction Community Development Corporation is to improve the quality of life through the prevention of hunger, illiteracy, child abuse, and basic human suffering.
Our Vision
New Direction CDC seeks to be a beacon of hope for children and adults in the US and abroad. We strive to improve the quality of life through grass-roots program services, lasting community partnerships, and genuine love and care. We endeavor to provide meal programs, educational assistance, homeless transition, basic living necessities, and bulk food distribution.
Our Volunteers
We are honored to have more than 130 volunteers anxious to join our community efforts. Our volunteers are a fun-loving and caring group of compassionate people who tirelessly work to keep our organization running. They truly are experienced and find a way to get our services to the community regardless of any issues that arise!
Our Leadership
Jerrell Stokley, Jr., Ed.D(c) is the Founder, Executive Director, & Grant Writer
Our Founder is compassionate about helping others and has served Tennessee for over twenty-five years. He has served in many community leadership roles, such as Board Member for United Way of West Tennessee, 2nd Vice President for NAACP of West Tennessee, and Board Advisor for Global Missions. He is a Doctorate of Education in Leadership (candidate) at Liberty University. He has accomplished a Masters of Organizational Leadership, a Masters of Divinity, and is a Certified Master Executive & Leadership Coach through John Mattone Global, ICF and Credentialed Coach Trainer. He also is the Founder of Maximum Success Coaching, the Founder of New Direction Church International, and an established author of six titles, including his latest success book, 21 Principles of Change.
Dr. Latoya McBride, DBA is the Director of Volunteer & Data Management and a Board Member.
Latoya carries a DBA in Business from Capella University in Minnesota. Dr. Latoya McBride has an extensive background in Management and Operational Supervision. She also has many years of experience training executives, managers, and staff in operational logistics. Mrs. McBride is a Senior Engineering Manager for Schneider Electric. She is also very active in her church as a Youth Church Teacher & Finance Asst.
Dr. Yolanda Porter, EdD is a Program Asst. & Advisory Board Member.
Dr. Yolanda Porter carries an Ed.D in Organizational Leadership & Strategic Change from Lipscomb University in Tennessee. Dr. Yolanda Porter has served the communities of Tennessee for over a decade, providing for the needs of those least fortunate. Dr. Porter has also served in the Metro School system as a Teacher and Dean for nearly twenty years. She has extensive experience in program and project coordination, writing and developing curricula, and behavioral management.
Sandra Simon - M.A. is our Corporate Relations Manager
Sandra Simon is a Business Manager for Vanderbilt Peabody College School of Teaching & Learning. Sandra Simon has an M.A. in English, specializing in Business and Technical Communication from Iowa State University. In addition, Sandra Simon carries a B.A. in English from Austin Peay State University. Sandra's professional background also includes Human Resources and Executive Manager. Ms. Simon held roles as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer in her children’s Parent Teacher Associations, while her children attended K-12 schools. Ms. Simon has spent countless years fundraising and building relationships with community leaders and advocates who possess a passion for supporting those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
