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History
History
Although Growing With Trust, Inc. officially began in 2023, our foundation is built on more than a decade of experience in human services, youth development, mentoring, and community advocacy.
Founded by Kenny Johnson Jr., Growing With Trust was created to address the challenges facing youth and families by providing meaningful relationships, advocacy, life skills, leadership development, and opportunities for growth.
Our Board of Directors brings more than 50 years of combined professional experience across human services, education, social work, behavioral health, nonprofit leadership, and community development.
Our mission is simple: create safe spaces, strengthen youth voice, build confidence, and help young people develop the skills and support needed to create brighter futures.
Executive Director
Executive Director
Kenny Johnson is the Executive Director of Growing With Trust, a community-based nonprofit organization committed to empowering justice-involved, foster care, and at-risk youth to become self-sufficient, confident, and purpose-driven leaders. With over 10 years of experience working with youth, families, and system-connected populations, Kenny has dedicated his career to mentoring, advocacy, workforce development, and cross-system collaboration.
Under his leadership, Growing With Trust has developed innovative, wraparound programs that integrate peer mentorship, education and career pathway planning, life-skills development, and court advocacy. Kenny’s work centers on strengthening youth voice, building accountability, and reducing recidivism through structured, relationship-based interventions.
He has extensive experience collaborating with DSS, juvenile court counselors, probation officers, schools, and community partners to create coordinated support systems that improve outcomes for young people. His leadership approach is strength-based, culturally responsive, and youth-driven, focused on empowering young people to take ownership of their future.
Through strategic partnerships and hands-on engagement, Kenny continues to advance sustainable pathways toward independence, educational achievement, workforce readiness, and long-term community stability.
KennyJohnson@growingwithtrust.org
Board Chair/Systems & Programs
Board Chair/Systems & Programs
Dr. Melvin Cherry
Dr. Melvin Cherry
Dr. Melvin Cherry is an educator, professor, and human services professional with more than twenty years of experience in education, community work, program development, and service to individuals and families. As a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, he brings deep knowledge of education, leadership, systems thinking, and the importance of building pathways that expand opportunity. His work is deeply rooted in community engagement and in helping organizations create programs that are practical, accountable, and responsive to the people they serve. As Board Chair, Dr. Cherry provides strategic leadership and helps guide Growing With Trust's program quality, organizational development, and long-term community impact.
mcc59@pitt.edu
Outreach & Data
Outreach & Data
Michael Thomas Blandford
Michael Thomas Blandford
Michael Thomas Blandford is a highly qualified program manager and community liaison with more than eight years of experience in government, nonprofit management, outreach, data-informed programming, and community engagement. He brings a strong background in customer relations, cross-functional leadership, and relationship development across business-to-business and business-to-community settings. Michael is a solutions-focused professional who uses communication, innovation, and data-driven decision-making to help organizations strengthen partnerships, improve systems, and respond effectively in rapidly changing environments. His work with Growing With Trust supports outreach strategy, data, program visibility, and stronger connections with families and community partners.
mthomasblandford@gmail.com
Secretary/ Therapist
Secretary/ Therapist
Kara Dyer, LCSW
Kara Dyer, LCSW
Kara Dyer, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and experienced human services professional with more than ten years of service to children, adults, families, and communities. Her background includes therapy, behavioral health support, family engagement, advocacy, and community-based care. Kara is dedicated to creating meaningful change one person and one family at a time while also helping strengthen the systems and communities around them. She brings a compassionate, strengths-based perspective to the Growing With Trust board and helps ensure that the organization remains responsive to the social-emotional needs, safety, dignity, and long-term success of the young people and families it serves.
karadyer12@gmail.com
Treasurer
Treasurer
Dr. Dominique Thornhill
Dr. Dominique Thornhill
Dr. Dominique Thornhill is an accomplished education professional, entrepreneur, and early childhood education leader with more than ten years of experience in education and youth development. She is the successful owner of three early childhood education programs and has built her career around creating safe, nurturing, structured environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Dr. Thornhill is dedicated to strengthening families, supporting educators, and making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Her entrepreneurial experience and educational leadership bring valuable financial, operational, and youth-development insight to the Growing With Trust board.
Eachoneteachonepgh@gmail.com
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