Hey there, South Jersey family!

When you think about a non-profit, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the logo? The events? Or maybe the impact they make in the neighborhood? Here at Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we believe that while the work we do is the star of the show, the people behind the curtain are the ones holding the spotlight.

We’ve always been an open book. We believe that to truly serve our community, we have to be part of the community. That’s why we are so excited to kick off a brand-new blog series: "Meet the Board."

Over the next few months, we’re going to be pulling back the curtain and introducing you to the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talent, and heart to ReBuilding Families in South Jersey—especially dedicated board members like Kemi Abiola, whose steady commitment to the mission helps guide our work with care and purpose. These aren't just names on a letterhead; these are parents, professionals, neighbors, and friends who believe that no family should ever have to face displacement alone.

Why We’re Doing This

Transparency is a big deal to us. When you support a South Jersey Non-Profit, you deserve to know who is stewarding your donations and who is making the big decisions that affect our local families. But beyond the logistics, we want you to see the passion.

Each member of our leadership team has a "why." They have a reason for waking up and choosing to tackle the tough issues facing our community, from housing instability to providing emotional support for families in transition. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire you to find your "why" too.

A Mission Powered by People

Before we dive into the names you’ll be getting to know, let’s talk about what we’ve achieved together. Thanks to the guidance of our board and the incredible support of people like you, Family ReBuild has reached a massive milestone: we have helped over 750 families navigate the challenges of displacement.

That is 750 households that found a little more dignity, 750 parents who felt a little less alone, and countless children who saw that their community cares about them. But as our CEO and Founder, Ananeika Gordon, always says, "The work is far from over."

As we look toward the future, our board is focused on expanding our reach, deepening our resources, and ensuring that every family in South Jersey has a path toward stability.

Meet the Leadership Team

In the coming weeks, we’ll be featuring deep dives into each of our board members, but for now, let’s do a quick roll call of the amazing folks steering the ship:

Ananeika Gordon – CEO & Founder

Ananeika is the visionary who started it all. Her heart for the community is the engine that keeps Family ReBuild running. She didn't just want to create an organization; she wanted to create a movement of restoration. Her leadership is rooted in empathy and a "get it done" attitude that inspires everyone around her.

Kemi Abiola – Key Board Member

Kemi is a key board member and a steady, trusted voice in our leadership team. She brings a wealth of insight to our strategic planning, and her commitment to our mission shows up in everything she supports—helping ensure we aren’t just supporting families for today, but building stronger systems that can hold families up for the long run.

Stephania Monnay

Stephania is a powerhouse of dedication. She understands the nuances of the challenges our families face and works tirelessly to ensure our programs are meeting those needs with respect and dignity.

Shawn Jacobs

Shawn brings a unique perspective to the board, always keeping us focused on the human element of our work. His ability to connect with the community and advocate for those who feel unheard is vital to our success.

Edward Gordon

Edward rounds out this incredible team with a focus on the structural integrity of our mission. His support ensures that Family ReBuild remains a stable, trustworthy resource for South Jersey for years to come.

ReBuilding Families, One Story at a Time

When we talk about "ReBuilding Families," we aren't just talking about bricks and mortar. We’re talking about ReBuilding hope. Many of the families we serve have been through the ringer. They’ve faced the stress of not knowing where they’ll sleep or how they’ll provide the next meal.

Our board recognizes that providing a resource is only half the battle; the other half is providing a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through our upcoming events or our daily advocacy, we want every family to feel like they are part of the Family ReBuild family.

The Power of Local Impact

As a South Jersey Non-Profit, we take pride in our roots. We aren't a distant organization operating from a skyscraper in another state. We are right here in the community, in the neighborhoods of Burlington County and beyond.

We see the struggles, but more importantly, we see the resilience. We see the grandmother who is doing everything she can to keep her grandkids together. We see the single dad who just needs a little bit of a hand up to get back on his feet. Our board members live here, work here, and are fully invested in the success of this region.

How You Can Join the Mission

You might be wondering, "This sounds great, but how do I fit in?"

The truth is, our board can provide the vision, but it takes a village to provide the impact. We invite you to be a part of this journey with us. Whether you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, exploring a partnership, or simply making a donation to help us reach the next 750 families, your involvement matters.

When you support Family ReBuild, you aren't just giving money; you’re giving a family a chance to breathe again. You’re giving a child a stable place to do their homework. You’re helping us prove that in South Jersey, we take care of our own.

What’s Next for the Series?

Over the next few months, keep an eye on our latest news section. We’ll be sitting down with Ananeika, Kemi, Stephania, Shawn, and Edward for one-on-one chats. You’ll hear about:

• Their favorite memories from working with the community.
• What they believe is the biggest challenge facing South Jersey families today.
• The "hidden gems" of South Jersey that they love.
• And their personal goals for the future of Family ReBuild.

We want you to feel like you know them. We want you to feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, and getting involved. Because at the end of the day, we are all in this together.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Before we wrap this up, we want to say a huge thank you to you, our supporters, our volunteers, and our neighbors. Family ReBuild exists because you believe in the power of a second chance.

Our board is honored to lead this organization, but they are even more honored to serve alongside people who care as much as you do. We are incredibly proud of the 750+ families we’ve helped so far, but we know that with this leadership team and your continued support, we are just getting started.

If you’re feeling inspired and want to learn more about who we are and what we stand for, head over to our Who We Are page. Or, if you’re ready to jump in and make a difference today, check out how you can get involved.

Let’s keep ReBuilding, South Jersey. One family, one heart, and one story at a time.

Stay tuned for our first deep-dive interview coming your way soon! In the meantime, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or just want to say hi. We’d love to hear from you.

With gratitude,

The Family ReBuild Team