For the Least of These Inc

For The Least of These Inc is a Florida nonprofit organization created to support individuals and families facing hardship. Our work is rooted in compassion, accountability, and community partnership. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We believe help should be practical and respectful. Our approach combines direct assistance with referrals to trusted partners, so households can access the right support at the right time.

Mission
To support individuals and families in need through essential-needs assistance, resource connections, and community-based outreach. At For The Least of These Inc, our name and mission are directly inspired by Matthew 25:40, where Christ teaches that serving those in need is the same as serving Him. This principle guides every program, partnership, and act of service we provide.

Vision

We envision healthy, resilient communities where every individual and family has access to nutritious food, essential resources, supportive relationships, and opportunities to thrive with dignity, hope, and compassion.

Values
Dignity: We treat every person with respect.
Stewardship: We use resources responsibly and transparently.
Partnership: We collaborate with trusted community organizations.
Service: We show up consistently and follow through.

Legal and contact information
Legal name: For The Least of These Inc
State of incorporation: Florida
EIN: 39-5014587
Primary service area: Tallahassee and surrounding communities
Email: info@ftlot.org

Primary Contact: Malaika Washington, Executive Director
Phone: (448) 488-5572

Catherine Barber President, Board of Directors

Catherine Barber serves as President of the Board of Directors for For The Least of These, Inc., bringing decades of financial expertise, administrative leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Professionally, Catherine serves as a Revenue Program Administrator within the Accounting Section of the Florida Department of Revenue, where she oversees complex financial operations and has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her career. Her extensive experience in accounting, fiscal management, and public service provides valuable oversight to the organization's financial stewardship and governance.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Catherine has faithfully served her church and community in numerous leadership roles. She has ministered as a Praise and Worship dancer and instructor, taught Sunday School, and regularly volunteered to help prepare and serve meals to elderly community members through her church's outreach ministry. Her passion for servant leadership reflects the mission and values of For The Least of These, Inc.

As Board President, Catherine provides strategic leadership, promotes sound governance, and helps ensure the organization remains focused on serving individuals and families with integrity, compassion, and accountability.

Yvonne Edwards-Williams Vice President, Board of Directors

Yvonne Edwards-Williams serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for For The Least of These, Inc., bringing extensive leadership experience in human resources, community service, and youth development.

Yvonne currently serves as a Human Relations Manager with the Florida Department of Education. Throughout her career with the State of Florida, she has held numerous positions in the field of Human Resources, where she has developed expertise in employee relations, leadership, organizational development, and personnel management. Her professional experience provides valuable insight into effective governance, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

A dedicated advocate for youth, Yvonne has invested many years coaching football and basketball, including coaching Pop Warner youth football. Her commitment to mentoring young people extends beyond coaching, as she also serves as a high school football referee, demonstrating leadership, integrity, and a passion for encouraging the next generation both on and off the field.

Yvonne has been happily married to her husband, Ray, for more than twenty years and is a proud grandmother who treasures the importance of faith, family, and community.

Her commitment to service is also reflected in her church ministry, where she faithfully serves on the Media Ministry and consistently participates in prayer services. Her servant's heart, leadership experience, and dedication to strengthening families and communities make her an invaluable member of the Board of Directors.

As Vice President, Yvonne supports the Board President in advancing the mission of For The Least of These, Inc., helping to ensure the organization operates with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving those in need.

Patricia Akins Treasurer, Board of Directors

Patricia "Pat" Akins serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors for For The Least of These, Inc., bringing decades of financial experience, servant leadership, and a heart for ministry.

Pat retired from a distinguished career with the State of Florida, where she spent the majority of her career working in payroll administration. She also served in Employee Relations, gaining valuable experience in personnel support, accountability, and organizational operations. Her extensive background in financial management and administrative processes provides strong fiscal oversight and stewardship for the organization.

A woman of unwavering faith, Pat is deeply committed to serving others. She faithfully volunteers with a local church ministry that provides meals and support to individuals experiencing hunger, demonstrating her passion for meeting the practical needs of the community. She also has a personal vision to minister to individuals experiencing homelessness, reflecting her compassion for those facing difficult circumstances.

Pat has been happily married to her husband, James, for more than twenty years, and together they are proud grandparents who value faith, family, and service.

Within her church, Pat serves as a Sunday School teacher, serves as Master of Ceremonies during Sunday worship services, and faithfully leads congregational prayer. She also participates in city-wide prayer gatherings and has had the privilege of leading prayer during those community services, encouraging unity and spiritual growth throughout the community.

As Treasurer, Pat helps ensure the financial integrity of For The Least of These, Inc. through responsible stewardship, sound fiscal oversight, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. Her professional expertise, compassionate spirit, and dedication to serving others make her an invaluable member of the Board of Directors.

Venecial Gaines-Jefferson Financial Secretary, Board of Directors

Venecial Gaines-Jefferson serves as Financial Secretary of the Board of Directors for For The Least of These, Inc., bringing more than twenty-five years of healthcare experience, organizational leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Venecial earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Healthcare Administration from Troy University. Throughout her career, she has worked in the healthcare field for more than twenty-five years, developing extensive experience in patient services, healthcare operations, and administrative support. Her professional background, combined with her dependable leadership and strong organizational skills, makes her a valuable asset to the financial and administrative functions of the organization. Among family and friends, Venecial is affectionately known as the person everyone can count on when something needs to get done.

A native of Albany, Georgia, Venecial has been happily married to her husband, Jesse, for more than twenty years. Together, they are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters and have built a family centered on faith, love, and service.

Music ministry has always been an important part of Venecial's life. Throughout the years, she has faithfully served in her church's choir and praise and worship ministry, sharing her God-given gift of music with congregations and the community. She has also served as a choir director, encouraging and leading others in worship through song. Blessed with a rich and beautiful alto voice, Venecial especially enjoys singing alongside family, church members, and friends.

As Financial Secretary, Venecial supports the Board's commitment to sound financial stewardship by maintaining accurate financial records and assisting with the organization's fiscal accountability. Her dedication, professionalism, and servant's heart strengthen the mission of For The Least of These, Inc. as it continues serving individuals and families throughout the community.

Naesha Mathis Recording Secretary, Board of Directors

Naesha Mathis serves as Recording Secretary of the Board of Directors for For The Least of These, Inc., bringing years of public service experience, exceptional organizational skills, and a genuine passion for serving others.

Naesha began her career serving the families of Leon County as a school bus driver, where she safely transported students for many years. She currently serves the State of Florida as a Regulatory Program Specialist, where she continues to demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to public service. Known for her outstanding organizational abilities and adaptability, Naesha embraces new challenges with confidence and is committed to helping organizations operate efficiently and effectively.

Outside of her professional career, Naesha has a passion for athletics and formerly played softball, where she became known for her powerful hitting and competitive spirit. The same determination and perseverance she displayed on the field continue to guide her approach to both her professional and volunteer service.

Naesha is a proud grandparent who values faith, family, and community. She faithfully attends church and has a genuine desire to continue learning and growing both personally and spiritually. She also volunteers with a local church in Tallahassee that operates a weekly food distribution ministry serving more than 5,400 households each month, helping provide food assistance to families throughout the community.

Inspired by her heart for service, Naesha has a vision of establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults and youth, reflecting her desire to create lasting, positive change within the community.

As Recording Secretary, Naesha helps ensure the Board of Directors maintains accurate records, effective communication, and strong organizational practices. Her dedication to service, adaptability, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the leadership team at For The Least of These, Inc.

Malaika Washington, Founder and Executive Director

Malaika Washington is the Founder and Executive Director of For The Least of These, Inc., where she leads the organization's mission to provide compassionate assistance and meaningful support to individuals and families experiencing hardship throughout the community.

Driven by a lifelong passion for serving those who are unable to serve themselves, Malaika founded For The Least of These, Inc. after God called her to establish the organization. Once she recognized that calling, she moved forward with determination, creating a nonprofit dedicated to serving others with dignity, compassion, and practical assistance.

Professionally, Malaika has dedicated more than twenty-eight years of service to the State of Florida. Throughout her career, she has worked in numerous areas of accounting and financial operations before transitioning into Information Technology, where she has served for twelve years as a Business Analyst specializing in payroll systems. Her extensive experience in accounting, business analysis, information technology, process improvement, and organizational management provides a strong foundation for leading the strategic growth and day-to-day operations of the organization.

Malaika has devoted much of her life to serving her community through both personal acts of kindness and church ministry. She has ministered to residents in nursing homes, helped provide meals to individuals experiencing homelessness through church outreach, welcomed individuals experiencing homelessness into her own home, and cared for children in need by opening her home and heart to help raise them. Her commitment to serving others extends far beyond organized programs—it is a way of life.

Under Malaika's leadership, For The Least of These, Inc. has developed initiatives focused on food security, college student support, youth services, and outreach to older adults while establishing collaborative relationships with community organizations and local partners. She is also passionate about grant writing, nonprofit development, strategic planning, and building sustainable programs that create long-term impact within the communities the organization serves.

A proud grandparent, Malaika treasures the importance of faith, family, and service. She has served in various church choirs throughout the years and has a deep love for worship through music. She believes that serving others is an expression of God's love and strives to lead the organization with integrity, humility, and compassion.

As Executive Director, Malaika oversees the organization's daily operations, strategic planning, fundraising, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and program development. Her vision is to build a sustainable organization that not only meets immediate needs but also creates lasting opportunities for hope, stability, and restoration within the communities For The Least of These, Inc. serves.

"While we may not be able to help everyone, we can always help someone."
— Malaika Washington

Yolanda Gainous-Bonds, Program Coordinator

Yolanda Gainous-Bonds serves as Program Coordinator for For The Least of These, Inc., where she oversees the College Student Support Initiative and the Youth Thrive Collaborative. Through these programs, she works to ensure students, youth, and families receive the encouragement, resources, and support they need to succeed.

Yolanda has dedicated more than thirty years of service to the State of Florida and brings an extensive background in accounting and financial administration. She currently serves as a Health Services & Facilities Consultant with the State of Florida, where she continues to demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to public service. Her broad administrative experience and attention to detail strengthen the planning, coordination, and delivery of the organization's programs.

A passionate advocate for young people, Yolanda serves as Director of the National Achievers Society, where she encourages and inspires youth to pursue academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership. Her commitment to investing in the next generation aligns closely with the mission of For The Least of These, Inc.

Yolanda is the proud mother of two middle school-aged children and understands firsthand the importance of supporting youth and strengthening families. She has also served on her local School Advisory Board, demonstrating her dedication to education and community involvement.

A woman of faith, Yolanda has faithfully served in her church choir and has a deep love for music. Blessed with an amazing alto voice, she enjoys using her gift of song to encourage and inspire others through worship.

As Program Coordinator, Yolanda works closely with volunteers, community partners, and organizational leadership to coordinate programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, students, and families. Her experience, leadership, and passion for youth development make her an invaluable member of the For The Least of These, Inc. leadership team.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse