HISTORY
Created in 2005 by DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., dfree® is a transformational movement that challenges the culture of consumer debt through values-based principles and practical approaches to financial management. dfree® works to improve the financial status of individuals, families, churches, and communities by addressing the spiritual, psychological, and behavioral root causes of financial issues. dfree® is a thriving movement consisting of people who are determined to overcome the culture of debt, delinquencies, and deficits, and attain financial freedom.
In 2010, dfree® was featured in a 90-minute CNN documentary entitled “Almighty Debt” with Soledad O’Brien, which talked about how the economic crisis impacts the African American community of faith. This documentary was one of the most-watched documentaries that CNN has aired.
We Reach People
dfree® has touched over 20,000 of people directly through our online channels, events, and engagement activities and many more through our extended network of over 4,000 churches and organizations.
We Transform Lives
We have successfully helped to eliminate more than $30M in debt as documented through Billion Dollar Challenge, in addition to providing learning opportunities for individuals and groups to improve their thoughts, habits, and approach to financial management. (Prudential BLF Group 2020 YTD 54 members, over $83,000 in debt paid down and over $26,000 saved)
We have helped participants to reduce reliance on credit cards, seek help from financial professionals, as well as shift daily behaviors to create a more positive financial position and a more hopeful approach to life, overall.
The dfree® Network & Offerings are Growing
While we continue to expand our reach to churches and organizations around the country, particularly through the securing of denominational (multi-church) organizations and a global sorority; we have also answered the call of those that exist beyond the church or that may be within a church/organization, but would like a more personalized/individual dfree® experience.
The growth of our online platforms – dfree® online Academy, Billion Dollar Challenge, In The Black Podcast, and Living dfree® eMagazine illustrate a unique opportunity for us to extend our reach, collect significant insights with our participants, and build more personalized relationships, solutions, and resources for our audience.
MISSION
dfree® is a transformational, lifestyle movement that promotes financial freedom through values-based principles and practical approaches to financial management.
VISION
THE D’S OF DFREE®
dfree® guides participants to become free from: debt, delinquency, and deficits and using this freedom to establish deposits, dividends, and deeds.
PHILOSOPHY
dfree® principles and strategies help to transform behaviors by identifying the emotional and psychological causes that are tied to our relationship with money. We achieve this blending faith and finance principles in our curriculum, tools, and programming. Educate * Motivate * Celebrate!
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
Board Chairman, CEO of dfree® Global Foundation, Inc., CEO of Corporate Community Connections, Inc.
Charnelle Anderson
Senior VP Marketing and Creative Services, TV One
Scott Jeffrey
Chief Revenue Officer, BIOVIGIL
Vaughn McKoy
Partner + Attorney + Commercial Litigation, Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC
Janeen Uzzell
CEO of National Society of Black Engineers
Tamika Stembridge
Executive Director, dfree® Global Foundation, Inc.
Martin Soaries
Founder & CEO, Basketball Society
Leslie Anderson
President & CEO, NJ Redevelopment Authority
James Jackson
SVP, Diversity & Inclusion Practice Lead | Global Head of Cannabis, Mark Edward Partners
Cayla Cousins
Senior Director, Brand Partnerships, Capitol Records
Rev. Dr. Darryl K. Webster
Senior Pastor, Emmanuel MBC, Indianapolis IN.
Michelle Charles
Director of Administration and Strategic Projects, Corporate Community Connections, Inc.
Staff
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
Founder & CEO
Tamika Stembridge, Esq.
Executive Director
Janiah Lake
Deputy Director
