Upon meeting Precious Milton, Founder of Concrete Orkidz Foundation, a non-profit based in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, you will immediately sense her genuine compassion for others and sincere love for children. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Precious remains dedicated and loyal to the inner-city community she serves through her After-School Programs, Free-Meal Programs, Summer Camps and Social-Emotional-Learning (SEL) Initiatives.
My Motto
Service is the Rent You Pay™
MORE ABOUT
MS. PRECIOUS MILTON
Precious lost her Mother when she was only 7 years old. She was then uprooted and moved to the inner-city to live with her elderly Grandmother. During this time, Precious was an active participant in before-school, after-school, and summer programs. Because of this first-hand experience, Precious understands and knows how beneficial such programs are for the child, the parents and for the community. “I always knew that I would be in this line of work, because I saw the benefits.”
Precious attended Kent State University and San Diego State University and focused her studies on Secondary Education and Psychology. She interned as an Intake Specialist at San Pasqual Academy, a Long-Term Group Home and was offered a full-time position when the internship period ended.
Concrete Orkidz Foundation was launched in 2019. This was a result of not only her childhood experiences, but due to 6 plus years of her experience as a Prevention Specialist, Program Coordinator and Program Manager for Columbus Area Integrated Health Services. Precious has been a Certified Prevention Specialist and a Qualified Mental Health Specialist, since 2013 and 2017, respectively. As Program Manager, she supervised 9 sites and implemented the programming, was responsible for all staffing, and facilitated the training programs. Industry Colleagues and Program Directors admired her work-ethic and fortitude, and because of her outstanding reputation, they encouraged her to launch her own Mental Health consulting businesses, P.Milton Consulting, as well as to start her own non-profit.
Engage. Empower. Equip are at the forefront of the mission and the passion fueling Precious’ drive at Concrete Orkidz. “Every child deserves a chance, and this is who we are called to serve every day.” Currently, there are two locations—one in Reynoldsburg and one in Canal Winchester—which accept children between the ages of 6 and 16. The families do not incur a cost for the small-group tutoring or counseling, the individual tutoring or counseling, or for the breakfast or after school snacks they receive. Funds which enable the programs, derive from relationships with The Columbus Foundation, State Programming Funders, Private Donors, and Grant Funding. Over the years, Precious has demonstrated drive, a dedicated work-ethic, and the ability to implement programs, and achieve positive results.
Regarding her students, they understand that her intentions are genuine and sincere. “Even though my kids see me as very stern, they appreciate my ‘tough-love’ and know that I want to empower them to succeed in life. I was a straight-A student, was involved in cheerleading, participated in pageants, stayed focused at school, and appreciated those who encouraged and mentored me!” To this day, her High School Principals, stay active in her life and serve as going mentors. Now, it is Precious Milton, who, through her delightful smile, is determined to follow her purpose, and provide the same support, encouragement, and service to others. As she likes to say, “Service is the rent that you pay for your room here on Earth.”
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DR. GERALD JACKSON
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Gerald Jackson, PharmD, RPh is the product of humble beginnings, a pursuit of lifelong education, and a love and respect for all people.“What is certain about my life is that I have made friends who have unique perspectives on the world.I appreciate all people, as my life’s journey has allowed me to become colleagues and associates with members of the Muslim, Hispanic, Asian, Nepali and Caucasian Community.It is my blended heritage—Irish, Black, Native American and White, which enables me to communicate a message to all people.”As an effective communicator, Dr. Jackson, offers purpose driven content which is intended to be not only exciting and interactive, but to also educate, engage, and empower the audience.
As a lifelong learner, Dr. Jackson attended Central State University, Shawnee State University, The University of Toledo, Columbus State Community College and Owens Community College.Ultimately, he earned his Psychology Degree (BA) from The Ohio State University, his Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Central Michigan University and his Doctorate of Pharmacy (PHARMD) from the University of Findlay.As a practicing Pharmacist, he is a Registered Pharmacist (RPh) with the State Board of Ohio. Since 2012, Dr. Jackson has been a Pharmacy Manager and Staff Pharmacist with Kroger.Due to his vast experience and education, he is passionate about educating people of all ages on how to live healthier lives both physically and emotionally.As a Board Member of two Non-Profits, Second Ward Community Initiatives Center (SWCI) and Concrete Orkidz Foundation, Dr. Jackson contributes meaningful perspectives, as it relates to student development and the impact that abusing prescription drugs can have on children and their families.His belief is that by Learning Today, we can Lead Better Lives Tomorrow!
MICHAEL KELLEY
BOARD TREASURER
Attorney Michael Kelley, Partner with Kelly Companies, has been an Attorney since 2010 as well as a Real Estate Developer since 2012. Michael works in partnership with his brother and father in their family-owned Real Estate Development Firm, which has its roots in a number of companies started by Michael’s Grandfather in 1967. Currently, the Firm is proud to execute all aspects of the development process as well as manage the properties once they are leased and occupied. Their successful projects typically include apartment development, mixed-use developments, adaptive re-use, and historical restoration/preservation. “We are proud of our disciplined approach, project execution, and the positive impact our projects have to residents within the communities we serve.”
Over the years, Michael has remained an active Ohio Bar Association and Columbus Bar Association Member. On the personal side, Michael donates his time and/or money to the following: Equal Justice Initiative, Homeport, St. Stephens Community House, St. Charles Preparatory School and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Michael was the former Chairman of The Board of St. Stephens Community House and currently serves as Vice Chairman of The Board for Homeport and as Board Member of Concrete Orkidz Foundation. “I am selective when it comes to the Boards which I serve on. I must believe in the Mission and I must believe in the Leader. Mentoring to youth is not only important, but fulfilling for me, as it reflects the core values which have been ingrained in me since my childhood—to work hard, make-a-difference, and to treat others with respect and integrity.”
VANESSA WILLIAMS
BOARD MEMBER
Meet Vanessa Williams, a dynamic, energetic, and positive force in the Culinary/Hospitality field. Currently, as a Corporate Dining Chef with L Brands, she earned her Associate of Applied Science from the Columbus Culinary Institute at Bradford School. Vanessa’s passion for cooking, entertaining and preparing amazing food for others has been stirring within her soul since she was a young girl, growing up in Akron, Ohio. During High School, Vanessa also discovered her love for cosmetology and began attending Cosmetology School. Upon graduation, she began working in a salon and because of her dedication, motivation, and willingness to learn from her mentors, she opened her own salon, LyniceLynae Hair Café, in 2013.
Vanessa brings innovation, creativity, and resiliency to anything she is passionate about doing, including serving on the Board of Concrete Orkidz. “Treating people like you want to be treated and meeting people where they are—is the basis of the way I live my life.” Because of the support Vanessa received from the Head Start Programs in Akron, as she was working and raising her two daughters, Kaniya Lynice & Kennedy Lynae, she learned to appreciate the value of services being offered to single-parents. “I loved serving on the Head Start Akron-Summit Community Action Policy Council and understanding the budgeting, planning and parent-involvement it requires to sustain a thriving Non-Profit. I have been told repeatedly that I have ’wisdom beyond my years’ and it brings me joy to contribute to a Non-Profit which serves children and families–by easing the burden on single parents.”
BILLY SANGVONE
BOARD MEMBER
Billy Sangvone, Board Member, Concrete Orkidz Foundation, is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for making a positive impact in the lives of others. Born in Vietiane, Laos, he immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of five. After living in Tennessee, and Texas, Billy’s family eventually settled in Ohio in the fall of 1989, during Billy’s middle school years. “I was ‘the helpful kid’ and embraced every opportunity to lend a hand.” Billy’s diverse experiences across various school systems and economic backgrounds taught him the value of inclusivity. This understanding fuels his passion for working with families from different cultures and backgrounds. He firmly believes in accepting individuals for who they are, which fosters connections that transcend differences.
Billy’s dedication to serving others is evident throughout his professional journey. After completing his Finance studies at Columbus State, he embarked on his career in the Mortgage Industry in 2005. Along his path, he has gained valuable experience at Bank One, The Union Bank Co, and currently serves as a Mortgage Banker and Loan Manager for a mortgage team with First Federal Community Bank. “I am passionate about creating positive change and dedicated to making homeownership possible–especially for those who have been overlooked or have been told they don’t qualify for a mortgage loan. Many people in my industry are not always willing to put in ‘the work’ to help those who don’t meet the standard qualifications. The greatest reward for me is witnessing people’s joy at the closing table and knowing that I played a critical role in finding them a place where they can call home!”
In 2019, Billy initially met Precious Milton, Founder/Executive Director of Concrete Orkidz, through an introduction from his wife. “When I heard about the impact that Concrete Orkidz was making in the lives of young children, I was excited about an opportunity to serve on the Board. Coming from a first-generation immigrant family, we didn’t have an outlet such as Concrete Orkidz that provided a safe space with emotional support in a caring environment. Throughout the programs, boundaries and acceptable behaviors are instilled within our youths. These lessons and foundations will carry forward throughout their entire life.”
Financial literacy is also taught during the Summer Camp Program and Billy loves to share basic financial credit information. Basic financial concepts are critical for young individuals to understand, as they need to be equipped to make wise decisions as they graduate from High School and become young adults. “I frequently say that a smart person learns from their own mistakes, a wise person gains insight from the errors of others. This foundation allows me to share my experiences with the children, aiming to help them develop a better understanding of the importance of financial credit and how it can benefit them throughout their lives.”
Billy Sangvone is relatable, compassionate, and dedicated to his family. “My family drives my motivation and commitment to my clients and my career. Open communication, mutual respect and genuine concern for others are essential, whether they are family, clients, friends, acquaintances, young, or old. People are like flowers; we each come in unique colors and shapes, yet we all thrive in the same garden.”