AboutUs

Joshua Community Connectors is a community-rooted organization dedicated to ending gun violence, breaking cycles of trauma, and guiding individuals toward safety, stability, and hope.

Founded and led by Kim Moore, JCC has grown from a neighborhood-based initiative to a citywide lifeline serving all of Metro Louisville.

Community Context: Louisville & the Russell Neighborhood

Louisville, Kentucky, is the hometown of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and known for the Kentucky Derby, baseball bats, fried chicken, and bourbon. Unfortunately, the city has also gained national attention for rising crime and a Department of Justice investigation.

With over 600,000 residents across nearly 400 square miles, violence disproportionately affects the Black community. In 2022, 76% of homicide victims were Black, and the city reached a record 173 homicides in 2020.

The Russell neighborhood, where most JCC clients reside, is 1.4 square miles with nearly 7,900 households. Once a thriving, economically and racially diverse area, Russell is now predominantly African American and faces high levels of poverty, over-policing, and gun and gang violence. The crime rate averages 62.29 per 1,000 residents, and 53% of the population lives below the poverty line.

JCC’s Strategy & Impact

Joshua Community Connectors provides vital support to help residents transition from high-risk circumstances to stability:

Holistic Support Services

Case management, housing stabilization, mental and physical health assessments.

Second-Chance Programs

Job-readiness training, resume building, seminars, and introductions to second-chance employers through partnerships with organizations such as Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Creative Spirits, and Total Life Counseling.

Meet Our CEO: Kim Moore

"Kim is a dedicated, boots-on-the-ground, tireless fighter for young adults on the brink of break. She works often under the radar, not seeking recognition, just saving lives one young adult at a time. Funders should support JCC so Kim can continue her amazing work."
Gil Holland
Managing Partner, Portland Investment Initiative

Kim Moore believes that everyone deserves a second chance, and she found her purpose in hers. Originally from West Virginia, she credits her parents for the core values that ground her and says her greatest honor is being the mother of four and Nana to six grandchildren. Celebrating her own sobriety since 1997, Kimberly uses her “PhD from the streets” to change lives and strengthen communities across the country.

For two decades, she has been on the ground in Louisville’s Russell Neighborhood, partnering with LMPD since 2004 and serving as a founding member of the Reentry Task Force. She sits on the board of Choosewell, supporting women in recovery, and is active with the Sickle Cell Association of Louisville due to her granddaughter’s diagnosis. Whether she is doing frontline outreach, advocating in newsrooms, or advising leaders in boardrooms, Kimberly shows up for those most impacted by community violence.

A connector of people and resources, she creates space for individuals who are often ignored to be heard, supported, and empowered. Inspired by Judge Brian Edwards and the late Judge Richard Fitzgerald, she believes that being brought out of darkness comes with the responsibility to be a light for others. Known for convening difficult but necessary conversations, she often challenges donors with a simple question: “Do you want to do good, or do you want to feel good?”

Ms. Moore is a protector, a fighter, a lover of her community, and a true peacemaker. And in the rare moments she steps away from her work, she enjoys traveling, living by her mantra: “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”

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OurTeam & Mental Health Partners

Partner

Rev. David L. Snardon

Reverend David L. Snardon, a lifelong West Louisville resident, is pastor of Joshua Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, succeeding his father’s 45-year tenure. He co-founded and leads Concerned Pastors of Russell, advancing equitable development, and serves as president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition, focusing on economic advancement, education, and justice. Rev. Snardon has held several civic leadership roles, serves on the One West board, and is pursuing an MBA. He and his wife, Alicia, have one son, Zion.

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Grant Writer

Laquisha Moore

Laquisha Moore is a licensed trauma-focused psychotherapist and certified grant writer. Trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, Kniffley Racial Trauma Treatment, and HEAT, she brings clinical expertise and lived experience to her work. At Joshua Community Connectors, Laquisha secures critical funding to expand services and support vulnerable adults across Louisville. Passionate about healing, resilience, and community impact, she approaches every project with compassion, integrity, and a dedication to transforming lives.

Executive Assistant

Kathryn Fant

Kathryn Fant is the Executive Assistant at Joshua Community Connectors, managing day-to-day operations, scheduling, and all client intakes. With a heart for people and a dedication to service, she ensures that the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Kathryn’s commitment and care make her an indispensable part of the JCC team, supporting the work of leadership and enabling the organization to provide life-changing services to vulnerable adults across Louisville.

Therapist

Dr. Chauweda Smith

Dr. Chauweda Smith is a licensed clinical therapist specializing in trauma, mental health, and life coaching for children, adolescents, and adults. With 12 years of experience across residential programs, community services, schools, hospitals, and juvenile justice, she brings deep insight and compassion. A West End Louisville native, she holds degrees in Pan-African Studies, Sociology, and Social Work, and is trained in EMDR. She owns Total Life Counseling & Consulting and is pursuing a doctorate in Community and Agency Leadership.

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Therapist

Cassandra D. Harris Gray

Cassandra D. Harris Gray is a dynamic speaker, author, teacher, columnist, counselor, and corporate trainer who leads workshops and conferences for businesses, schools, churches, and empowerment groups. Driven by her motto, “transforming broken lives into creative spirits,” she is committed to helping others become their best selves. She is also a skilled counselor and founder of an outpatient center focused on substance abuse, mental health, and violence prevention, guiding individuals toward holistic healing.

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Case Manager

Ronika Sullivan

Ronika Sullivan, born and raised in Louisville, KY, is a proud mother of three sons and a graduate of Louisville Central High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of the Cumberlands. A devoted community supporter and genuine lover of people, she is now pursuing a degree in social work, driven to help individuals facing mental-health challenges and life circumstances beyond their control.

Receptionist

Gregory Moore

Gregory Moore is a part-time receptionist at Joshua Community Connectors and a student at Central High School. Actively involved in wrestling, he demonstrates dedication, discipline, and leadership, serving as a positive role model for other youth in Louisville. Gregory’s enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment to the community make him an important part of the JCC team, helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for all who walk through our doors.

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OurBoard