HISTORY
Created in 2005 by DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement challenges the culture of consumer debt through values-based principles and practical approaches to financial management. The program works to improve the financial status of individuals, families, churches, and communities by addressing the spiritual, psychological, and behavioral root causes of financial issues. The dfree® Movement consists of people who are determined to overcome the culture of debt, delinquencies, and deficits, and attain financial freedom.
In 2010, the dfree® Movement was featured in a 90-minute CNN documentary entitled “Almighty Debt” with Soledad O’Brien. It focused on the economic crisis and its impact on the African American community of faith. At its release, the “Almighty Debt” was one of the most-watched documentaries CNN had aired.
We Reach People
In addition to having a network of more than 4,000 churches and organizations, the dfree® Movement has helped thousands of people through the dfree® Online Academy, Wealth on Wednesday webinars, in-person and virtual events, and engagement activities.
We Transform Lives
We have successfully helped to eliminate more than $36M in debt through the Billion Dollar Challenge (BDC) and provided learning opportunities for individuals and groups to improve their approach to financial management. The BDC has helped participants reduce their reliance on credit cards, seek help from financial professionals, and shift their daily behaviors to create a healthy financial life.
The Dfree Network & Offerings are Growing
We continue to expand our reach around the world through philanthropic endeavors and our programs. The growth of our online platforms, dfree® online Academy, Billion Dollar Challenge, and dfree® In The Black Podcast, illustrate a unique opportunity for us to extend our reach and build more personalized relationships, solutions, and resources for our audience.
MISSION
The dfree® Financial Freedom Movement is a transformational lifestyle that promotes financial freedom through values-based principles and practical approaches to financial management.
VISION
The dfree® Movement will be a leader in the creation of an economic and cultural shift that increases consumer participation in savings, insurance, and investments.
THE D’S OF THE DFREE MOVEMENT
Our team guides participants to become free from: debt, delinquency, and deficits and using this freedom to establish deposits, dividends, and deeds.
PHILOSOPHY
dfree® Lifestyle principles and strategies help transform behaviors by identifying the emotional and psychological causes tied to our relationship with money. We combine faith and financial principles in our curriculum, tools, and programming.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
Board Chairman, CEO of Dfree Global Foundation, Inc., CEO of Corporate Community Connections, Inc.
Scott Jeffrey
Chief Revenue Officer, BIOVIGIL
Cayla Cousins
Senior Director, Brand Partnerships, Capitol Records
Vaughn McKoy
Partner + Attorney + Commercial Litigation, Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC
Janeen Uzzell
CEO of National Society of Black Engineers
Rev. Dr. Darryl K. Webster
Senior Pastor, Emmanuel MBC, Indianapolis IN
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
Staff
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
Founder & CEO
Deborah Haywood
Director, Finance and Operations
Uche Oleru
User Experience (UX) Designer
Lisa Earl
Bookkeeper
Rev. Shaunda Sutton
Zeta Phi Beta Liaison & MNL-Host
