Harvey George
Founder & President
Harvey George, born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, spent the early part of his life running with the wrong crowd, heavily engaged in delinquent activity which earned him a life sentence at Rahway State Prison. After serving 17 ½ years, Harvey's exceptional behavior and rededication to community earned him an early release from prison in 1991. Since then, Harvey has devoted his life to insuring the reentry population and the young adults in our community receive the guidance and support necessary to break the cycle of poverty, violence and incarceration and reclaim their dignity.
In 1992, with limited funds, an ambitious mission and an abundance of determination, Harvey founded Friends of the Lifers Youth Corp, Inc.. Harvey's dedication and vision has attracted the support of volunteers and a small administrative staff who work tirelessly to keep Harvey's vision alive and extend helping hands to the community.
In addition to his role as President of the Friends of the Lifers Youth Corp., Harvey also chairs the Hudson County State Parole Board Reentry Task Force and is a member of an independent Hudson County Task Force. He was President of the Rahway Lifers Group for five years and is widely known for the ground-breaking "Scared Straight" Program. Harvey George is a motivational speaker, lecturer and mentor to at-risk youths and previously incarcerated individuals.
Harvey, a graduate of Mercer County College with an Associate Degree in Social Science and Humanities, has traveled the county to deliver his message. He has gained the support of and partnered with elected leaders, service providers and the private sector and has received numerous awards from local, city and state organizations.
Armed with nothing but the right message, Harvey has become a role-model and household name within the community and even nationwide. Harvey has changed his life for the better and is now an example for others.
Annette Joyner
Executive Director
Annette Joyner was born and raised in Harlem, New York, and has dedicated her life to helping the most vulnerable populations.
Annette was the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Bronx Recreation for the City of New York Parks & Recreation Dept. However, Annette retired in 1997 to raise her daughter Allonia Joyner and become her own boss. Annette earned a degree from the New York Restaurant School and became an entrepreneur in Harlem.
Annette and her husband Wesley Jackson opened up Annette's Tasty Delights, a full service event planning and catering company. Annette is also co-owner of Phabb, a company she started with her daughter, which produces a line of bath and body product's for children and adults.
Annette is now Executive Director of Friends of the Lifers Youth Corp, where she uses her creative energy and entrepreneurial skills to assist the re-entry population with education, entrepreneurship training, life skills, housing, computer training, job search, resume writing, and most importantly, employment opportunities.
Under Annette’s leadership, the Friends of the Lifers continues to expand upon our mission; to create jobs where there are none available while working to restore our community.
James Adams
Financial Officer
Dineen Cameron
Secretary
Brooke Hansson
Program Administrator
Aatif Mohammed
Culinary Instructor
Russell Rogers
Culinary Assistant
Rafael Mata
Gambit Services
"Brother" Barry Crumbley
Farmer, Executive Director
North East Regional Representative for BFAA
Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association
Headquartered in Tillery, North Carolina
