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Meet Our Team

Kelli Dillon

 Founder and Director

Back to the Basics was founded by Kelli Dillon, a native of Los Angeles who was born and raised in the Southeast area of Los Angeles and Watts. 

For over 10 years, Kelli has worked with men, women, and children as an educator and trainer in the areas of Anger Management & Domestic Violence Programs, Violence Prevention/Intervention Strategies, Peer Youth Leadership, Homeless Advocacy, Sexual Assault Awareness and Sex Trafficking Prevention.

Kelli became aware that in order to address the social problems of the community or society and the reaction to the trauma that impacted each one behaviors and coping skills to survive, we must go “back to the basics” of life management and empower each individual, while simultaneously address the communities’ social issues that an unhealthy individual contributes to their community...

Thus, the concept and vision 

for “BACK TO THE BASICS” was created. 

Shonteze Williams, Sr.

 Program Manager & Re-Entry Specialist

Shonteze Williams, Sr., Former Director of a Gang Intervention Southwest LA agency and origianl founder of Southern California Ceasefire. Shonteze has always been passionate towards working and giving back to his community and rebuilding communities in the Los Angeles County that are deficient in accessible resources and services., Shonteze works to connect the most vulnerable communities and individuals Los Angeles contractors of trade and career jobs as a trainer for local hiring programs. Shonteze is now a leading force for Back to the Basics bringing wisdom and 20 years of Community and Crisis Intervention expertise to the organization. His community partnership with local union contractors and employment developers, is the bridge that's needed to offer economic and career opportunities to the community. 

Shonteze is skilled in re-entry, life skills, 

and domestic violence intervention.

Jaime "RareBreed" Gregory

 Community Liaison & Crisis Specialist

Jaime "RareBreed" Gregory was East Coast born, but West Coast raised in the streets of Southern California. As a result of his street-life experiences, he is able to share a powerful testimony through his music and involvement in venues related to the peace movement across the states. 

Pushing the need for unification in its entirety, his executive board member status in Southern California Ceasefire Committee (gang prevention and intervention) has been a platform to combine his talents with his passion. Often misjudged and underestimated, RareBreed has partnered with Back to the Basics to bring change and restore pride and hope back into the community that he loves so dearly.​

Muneeb Abdullah

 and Volunteers​

 

  

Muneeb Abdullah (center) bring spritual upliftment to the community and is a peace ambassador. Muneeb grew up in Los Angeles and has survived gang violence due to the murder of his older brother and countless other childhood friends. Muneeb promotes unity, peace, and education for our youth. He is successful at coordinating allies and volunteers to help assist Back to the Basics in their efforts. Muneeb leads our faithful team of community volunteers Allie, Nakia, Donyell, and Kenneth offer time and commitment to supporting Back to the Basics LA and other local organizations (especially, grass-root) and community groups on projects and social movements that bring positive change and empowerment to the community.​

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