DIRECTOR

Dr. Trevon (Truh-vawn) Fordham (For-duhm) is a devoted public servant, who is passionate about building relationships to better communities. Dr. Fordham has a wealth of diverse experience in the fields of law enforcement, detention, juvenile justice, public safety, program management, grant administration, in addition to training and development. Over his sixteen years of service, Dr. Fordham has had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with high-level government officials at the local, state, and federal level to build relationships that benefit communities. Dr. Fordham loves working with community members to address issues and create sustainable solutions.

Currently, Dr. Fordham is the Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (formerly the Office of Violent Crime Prevention) for the City of Columbia. Additionally, Dr. Fordham serves as an adjunct Criminal Justice instructor at York Technical College. Previously, Dr. Fordham served as the state’s Juvenile Justice Specialist and Compliance Monitor at the South Carolina Department of Public Safety; Senior Deputy Sheriff at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department; Juvenile Correctional Officer, Public Safety Officer, Corporal, and Institutional Programs Manager at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

Dr. Fordham earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Newberry College, Master of Education degree from American InterContinental University, and his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice in addition to his Doctor of Education degree from Charleston Southern University. Dr. Fordham holds numerous advanced state and federal certifications and he is a member of several professional associations as well as committees, including the National Criminal Justice Association, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the Coalition of Juvenile Justice, the South Carolina Racial Justice Action Team, and the South Carolina Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council Racial and Ethnic Disparities Subcommittee. Dr. Fordham enjoys spending time with his family and friends, practicing self-care activities, serving his community, traveling, and simply enjoying life.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Krystle Holmes Gay, LMSW, is a compassionate community advocate devoted to empowering vulnerable populations and creating opportunities for meaningful connection. With a strong commitment to service, Krystle focuses on bringing people and resources together to strengthen communities and promote equity. She is passionate about developing collaborative spaces where community partners can share information, discuss current programs, and assist clients in real time to create lasting impact.

Previously, Krystle served as a Housing Educator, where she worked to bridge gaps between housing, education, and supportive services for individuals with disabilities. She also worked in street outreach, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to housing, health care, and community resources while fostering partnerships to improve access and outcomes. Beyond her professional roles, she serves on the board of the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH), leading efforts to strengthen regional collaboration and advocate for systemic change. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Harriet Hancock Center, supporting programs that promote inclusion, advocacy, and community engagement for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

Krystle earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Columbia College, and an Associate Degree in Human Services from Midlands Technical College. Her career reflects a deep commitment to servant-minded leadership, outreach, and advocacy. Through her work, Krystle has led numerous outreach initiatives to meet individuals where they are, bringing compassion, connection, and resources directly to those most in need.

PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Rafeal Brown was born in Dillon, South Carolina and raised in Bennettsville, South Carolina. At the age of sixteen, he became system-impacted, an experience that profoundly shaped his lifelong commitment to cultural healing, mentoring, character development, and disrupting destructive mindsets and patterns among youth.

Since that time, Rafeal has dedicated himself to advocacy, community engagement, and creating opportunities that raise awareness about harm to individuals and communities. He has completed research training through Rutgers University, facilitation training through The National Compadres Network, and leadership development through the C.L. Dellums African American Leadership School.

Previously, Rafeal worked as a Training and Research Assistant with Restoring Promise, where he supported initiatives to improve living conditions in prisons by centering human dignity across five states and seven sites.

In his free time, Rafeal enjoys exercising at the gym and spending quality time with his family.

INTERN 

Lily Armbruster is a senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Psychology. She works as a research assistant in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice examining the effects of mentorship on the disruption of the school-to-prison-pipeline, an experience that has furthered her passion for juvenile justice and taught her the importance of prevention.

Previously, Lily gained experience facilitating a Juvenile Arbitration Program with the Cayce Police Department, and volunteering as a peer mentor with the University of South Carolina’s Adolescent Mentoring program. She learned a great deal about issues facing system-involved and underserved youth and believes in amplifying their voices to better understand what services or programs would best address their needs.

Lily is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. She enjoys reading, cooking, sewing, running, doing yoga, and spending time with her loved ones.

INTERN

Maria Reyes is a junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Political Science and Public Relations, with minors in Criminal Justice and International Studies. Maria is passionate about community-centered public safety and equitable engagement strategies that strengthen neighborhoods across Columbia.

Maria brings experience in public service, communications, and youth advocacy to her work. She has previously interned with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, where she contributed to prevention and intervention programming for justice-involved youth. After she graduates, Maria plans to pursue a career in government affairs, government communications, or community engagement, with a focus on strengthening relationships between public institutions and the communities they serve.

Maria is originally from Aiken, South Carolina and in her free time enjoys reading, swimming,  spending time with friends, and trying out new restaurants around Columbia.