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about OnPurpose

people are created for connection.

We are not meant to go through emotional distress alone.

OnPurpose has the staff, resources, and support that youth and their families need. Many of us became therapists and social workers after our own experiences with trauma. We know healing is possible because we’ve lived through it ourselves.

Our Mission

We help youth and their families find hope, healing, and purpose beyond their trauma.

Our Vision

We envision a day when black and brown communities are equipped to identify and heal their traumas to live successful and purpose-filled lives.

Our Board of Directors

Our story

From Adversity to Purpose

The journey of OnPurpose is intimately linked with the inspiring narrative of our founder, Renae Johnson. Her resilience in the face of adversity—overcoming inequality, domestic violence, sexual assault, and persistent poverty—forms the bedrock of our mission. Renae’s transformative journey, bolstered by critical support from programs such as the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982, the Kiwanis Builder’s Club, the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), and initiatives by the Baptist and Educational Missionary Convention, showcases the profound impact of community support and empowerment on individual lives. Motivated by her own experiences, Renae is committed to extending even greater success and opportunities to families in need.

Since its inception in 2016, OnPurpose has been dedicated to providing mental health services and support to those most in need. In the past two years, we have refined our model to offer enhanced assistance to families affected disproportionately by systemic racism and enduring poverty. This commitment reflects the Biblical call to “uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3) and to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). As OnPurpose continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community in creating pathways to healing and empowerment for those we serve.

 

our core values

Love

Love is what fulfills us, provides us purpose and meaning, and is what makes us pour into the lives of others.

Service

We serve others as Christ would through our gifts and talents.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in all that we do.

Integrity

We wisely manage our resources with integrity and responsibility.

Compassion

We try to understand how our clients might be feeling and do our best to give them the help they deserve.

Our Team

Renae Johnson, MPA

President & CEO

Melinda Dixon, MPH, MBA, CRA

accounting specialist

Sandra Costilla

manager of OPerations

Malyn Herrera, MSW

director,
Child & Family SErvices

Roderick Cantu, MS


Manager, education & Christian partnerships

Justin Johnson

Marketing assistant

Become a donor! Every dollar helps to provide hope and purpose to those devastated by the long-term effects of poverty.