Inspiration
Lillian’s Place is dedicated to my Grandmother, Ms. Lillian Smith. She was the sole motivation for my decision to found this organization. I was not aware of her profound influence on my desire to help those less fortunate until after her death. If I were able now to say one thing to her it would be “Grandma, I get it!”
Long before “giving back” had a name, she taught me that each of us is responsible for helping whenever or wherever we can. Through a combination of her motivation and my own personal experiences with at-risk youth and the disability population, I was inspired to found Lillian’s Place.
I am proud to continue my Grandmother’s legacy of uplifting and empowering those in need. Our goal is to not only change the mind-set of those who consider today’s youth as “lost” and those with mental health issues or physical disabilities as “hopeless” but also become the premier resource program in the Metro Area.
Lillian’s Place will achieve our goals by providing the highest quality of services possible. These services will include, but are not limited to: assessments, social services referrals, housing resources, tutoring, mental health and disability resource referrals and ongoing counseling and guidance in a warm and nurturing environment.
Board Members
Catherine Smith, President and Founder
Catherine was born in Prince George’s County Maryland but raised in the District of Columbia, where she attended DC Public Schools. She received her undergraduate degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio in 1982. In 1998, after several years as a career woman, Catherine returned to school to obtain her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Howard University. Her area of study, along with volunteer and direct support in human services, allowed her to address issues that would improve the quality of life of the disenfranchised population she encountered as a professional and advocate for her community. Her experience with providing assistance to at-risk youth, low-income families, seniors and the intellectually and developmentally disabled community has spanned more than 25 years.
Janice Scott-Ataiyero, Vice President-Acting Treasurer
Janice is a transplanted Washingtonian from Bedford, Virginia. She and her family moved to DC when she was just 18 months old. Having attended DC public schools, she learned early the disparity of education provided to those in far Northeast compared to the residents of Wisconsin Avenue and the effects of poverty on her classmates. The inequalities of life that she witnessed as a child prompted her to become an advocate for those less fortunate as early as her grade school years. It was no surprise that she became a Black Panther as a teen and began working with the disadvantaged in her adult professional life. Both through volunteer endeavors as well as her vocation, Janice has provided social and human services through ABE/GED, prison re-entry, welfare-to-work, at-risk youth, disability, homeless, and hunger programs in the Washington-Metro area for more than 20 years.
Mr. Kwaku Agyeman, Employment Program Administrator
Kwaku has a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership, a Bachelor’s of Science in health administration and a graduate certificate in career planning and placement for youth in transition. Mr. Agyeman has over 17 years of social services experience.
Honorary Board Members
Charles Wayne Smith
Charles Wayne Smith is the fifth child of Lillian Catherine Smith. He attended Montgomery County Public Schools for his primary education. The family moved to Washington, D. C.. He graduated from Eastern High School and then served in the U. S. Army. After the military he had a 27 year career with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Upon departure he pursed his dream and started a small professional lawn care business, C.W. Lawn Care; licensed and operated in the State of Maryland. After 22 years he ended the business. He is the Founding Partner of the UMOJA Investment Club; a member of the Roscoe C. Cartwright Masonic Lodge No. 125; a Vietnam Veteran and member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is married and has one son from the union. He is the father of two daughters and one son from a previous marriage. Serving the Lord is his center. He enjoys travel, riding his motorcycle, gardening, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Shirley J. Smith
Shirley Smith is the oldest child of Lillian Smith and was born in Montgomery County. She attended Montgomery County Public School for her primary and part of her secondary education. The family moved to Washington, D.C. She received her Graduate Equivalency Degree from Wilson High School in Washington, DC. Her additional academic pursuits include attendance at the University of the District of Columbia and a Vocational school where she obtained a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate. She is a single parent of one daughter and a son. Her employment career was with Amtrak where she ultimately retired. She enjoys spending time with family and serving the Lord.
Gloria Thomas
Second oldest child of Lillian Smith was born and raised in Montgomery County. She attended Montgomery County Schools and graduated from Burdick Vocational School in Washington, DC as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She retired from George Washington Hospital Center and currently enjoys ministering to others, piano and ballet.
In Memoriam
Saphronia A. Drake
It is with extreme sadness that the Lillian’s Place Board acknowledges the passing on January 30, 2021 of one of our original board members Saphronia A. Drake, affectionately called Annette. She was a remarkable woman who in spite of her own health issues was dedicated to helping others and instrumental in building our foundation. She will be greatly missed.