About Us

Committed to Healing, Justice, and Empowerment

Our Story

African American Survivors Services is an established 501 (c) 3 organization. We understand that a communal approach is warranted as we connect with people using strategies that offer professional and peer support. Our services are all-inclusive to anyone seeking resources and referrals to offset the impacts of mental illness, addiction, incarceration.

We assess, empower, advocate and mobilize individuals, families, and communities. Our work is face to face, shoulder to shoulder. AASS provides a cache of trauma-informed services, community recovery events that foster unity and peace-driven solutions. We work separately and together with community partners to promote healthier living.

Meet Our Team

Ivan Nelson BS, LADC, CPP

Ivan has worked in the non-profit sector for many years providing counseling and intensive case management services for single adults and families impacted by chronic homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders. He is a proponent of Seeking Safety, an evidence-based, present-focused counseling model to help people attain safety from trauma, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorders. He feels a deep appreciation for every opportunity to engage the clients he serves with dignity and respect, believing – that perhaps the only gratification that can come from suffering is to learn from it and try to transform it into something that can help others.

Thadious Walker, AS, ADC-T

Thadious has worked in the direct services community for the past 5 years in many different roles. He is currently a lead counselor in a High-Intensity Outpatient with lodging program. Thad has a passion for working with individuals who deal with substance abuse disorders and criminal justice system adherence struggles. He believes in a client-centered and holistic approach, understanding the many different barriers one may face in their recovery efforts.

Kenneth B. Jackson

Kenneth B. Jackson aka Bruce is the Treasurer for African American Survivor Services. He is responsible for the organization’s administrative, organizing, and scheduling assignments. His duties include the payment of vendors, volunteers, and our members for their work as presenters to groups at various facilities.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Robert Morris College and a Master’s Degree in Business with a concentration in accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management. He has been working in the accounting field since 1983 when he first received a 10-Month certificate in accounting from Robert Morris College. He currently works for the State of Minnesota as a Finance Specialist.

He has also been the Treasurer for multiple years with his union and for a recovery convention committee. He enjoys organizing events and keeping the records and books in order.

Maurice Brown LADC

Maurice is a counselor in the Twin Cities Area of Minnesota for past 5 years. He is also some one in long-term recovery who has seen success with Harm Reduction model of care through AASS services. Maurice is a MOUD clinician and an advocate for policy change as it pertains to decreasing disparities in health care need for those impacted by justice systems. He is a single Dad raising teenage children. Maurice value family, physical exercise and good nutrition.

Sophia Ruffin-Smith PRS.

Ms Sophia brings a wealth of lived experience, peer support and empathic sensitivity to survivors of youth and young adult violence and addiction. A person in long term recovery from addiction and trauma , Sophia is able to connect with community and clients through a culturally relevant lens.

Michael Ortloff

Services and Resource Navigator working specifically with those experiencing homelessness. Michael utilizes a hands-on approach creating and fostering trust through compassion and understanding.

Bridget Stansbury

Outreach/Inreach coordinator with our street engagement team. Bridget is a someone in long-term recovery that demonstrates compassionate care for those seeking services that address opioid use disorders and mental illness

Raphael Stansbury CPRS

Raphael is committed to aligning his sense of dedication and passion for men, women and families helping them to overcome barriers that may prevent healthy living. Raphael brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to out Peer Support efforts.

Kenneth Bruffett

Cultural Liaison/Community Resource Coordinator–. Ken shares strengths, hope and family values to his approach to the work. Ken believes change is measurable at any stage . His experience as a medical systems employee is vital to our street outreach team.

Patricia Kelly

Administration and Recovery Community Network Support— Patricia is dedicated to bringing new and innovative strategies to the ever changing landscape of Harm Reduction work.

Grant Kelly

Outreach Mgr.— Grant’s love for community and deep dedication to serving anyone in need is a a gift meant to be shared. This photo captures the essence of who this man is. He is some in long-term recovery committed to coming along-side the individual in the capacity of peer support as they transition from treatment, medical settings, incarceration to community. Most folks would say; “Grant will give you the shoes off his feet-literally”!

Our Board Members

Bobby Yang

My name is Bobby Yang, and I’m honored to serve on the board of African American Survivor Services. My professional background is rooted in community engagement, mental health services, and nonprofit programming, where I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives that foster connection and empowerment for individuals on their recovery journeys. I’m passionate about equity and wellness, and I believe in creating inclusive spaces that support healing and growth for underserved communities. My work has focused on substance use prevention, youth education, and building stronger, more connected communities. Serving on this board is deeply meaningful to me because I am committed to ensuring survivors of trauma and systemic inequities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy helping others, diving into topics like psychology and spirituality, and engaging in conversations that inspire and challenge me. I believe that community and connection are the keys to creating lasting change, and I strive to embody that in all that I do.

Ryan

Ryan is a mixed race, Chinese American, award winning writer, director, photographer, producer and educator based in Minneapolis. A self taught artist, Ryan began his career working with individuals experiencing homelessness, children and families, and foster care youth, as well as in program development and affordable housing development. He began documenting protests after the recession in 2008. Ryan’s photos and films helped elevate narratives not seen in the mainstream media, and catalyzed his passion for documentary and narrative storytelling. His background in social work and community organizing, and his relationships across communities make collaboration essential to his work, whether in creative projects such as filmmaking, or making space for connection, such as producing community events or program development. Being in community, creating connections, and sharing stories with each other is what drives Ryan’s work.

Ellis A. Banks

I Am Ellis A. Banks a man with a Strong Relationship with God. Retire Navy Veteran Education from U of California Berkeley Health Sciences B.S. Real Estate Agent for over 15 yrs. Radiology Instuctor for 6 yrs. It is an Honor to be apart of African American Survivor Services I will bring Experience From Recovery and Veterans Resources.

Samuel Brown MBA

I am Samuel E Brown, I am a man of strong conviction who believes in helping other people.

I feel honored to be a part of African American Survivor Services.

Being a part of this organization gives me the opportunity to help those in recovery.

I am a graduate of Inver Hills Community College where I earned my Two year degree in Arts and Science.
I am also a graduate of the University of Phoenix where I earned my Bachelor degree in Business Science and my Masters degree in Business Administration.

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