About

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    🏠 ABOUT SECURED LIVING

    Secured Living is a family-led organization dedicated to transforming lives through safe housing, structured support, and pathways to independence.
    Based in South Florida, we operate a continuum of care programs serving adults in recovery, young adults aging out of foster care, veterans returning to civilian life, and community members in need of transitional assistance through our nonprofit arm, Secured Living Inc.

    We believe that stable housing is the foundation for rebuilding lives. Each of our homes and programs is designed to help residents regain confidence, restore dignity, and develop the life skills necessary for long-term success.

    💡 MISSION & VISION

    Our Mission
    To empower individuals and families through compassionate housing solutions that promote recovery, independence, and personal growth. We integrate behavioral health care, workforce development, and supportive living environments to help residents achieve lasting stability and purpose.

    Our Vision
    To create a world where every person—regardless of past struggles—has access to a secure home, meaningful opportunities, and a community that supports their journey toward wholeness.

    👥 FOUNDER’S STORY & LEADERSHIP

    Dr. Chasity Fortham, Ed.D., Program Director & Co-Founder
    Dr. Fortham brings over 15 years of leadership and a doctoral degree in Organizational Learning and Leadership with a minor in Human Resource Development. Having grown up in women and children’s shelters, she understands firsthand the challenges of instability and the power of safe, structured environments. Her mission is to turn compassion into systems that change lives—combining academic expertise with lived experience to help others build sustainable futures.

    Mr. Carlton Fortham, Co-Founder & Operations Director
    A veteran and entrepreneur, Mr. Fortham leads daily operations across Secured Living’s housing programs. His passion is helping others rebuild wealth through health, discipline, and accountability. He brings a servant-leader mindset and hands-on management style to every property and program, ensuring each resident receives guidance, structure, and respect.

    Together, the Forthams combine academic leadership, business acumen, and personal conviction to create programs that heal, empower, and elevate every participant.

    🌱 CORE VALUES

    Value Meaning in Action
    Dignity Every person deserves respect, safety, and a chance to rebuild without judgment.
    Safety Secure housing, 24/7 support, and trauma-informed care are at the heart of every home we operate.
    Accountability We teach structure, responsibility, and ownership as keys to long-term success.
    Growth Through education, employment, and wellness support, residents move from survival to independence.

    ⚖️ GOVERNANCE

    Secured Living operates under transparent governance with oversight from its Board of Directors, ensuring compliance, ethical leadership, and mission integrity.
    Board composition includes:

    • Dr. Chasity Fortham, Chair & Program Director

    • Mr. Carlton Fortham, Operations Director

    • Dr. Shaquan Chamblis-Huggins, Director of Nursing (Secured Care)

    • Mrs. Ebony Whitfield, Strategic Partnerships & Grant Development

    • Dr. James Whitfield, Community Faith Leader (Advisory Member)

    📊 IMPACT SNAPSHOT

    Metric Current Outcomes
    Residents Served 75 + men, youth, and veterans across South Florida
    Housing Stability 87 % of residents secure stable housing within 12 months
    Employment / Education 72 % employed or enrolled in training within 6 months
    Program Completion 90 % maintain sobriety through 6-month follow-up
    Community Engagement 65 % participate in peer mentoring or volunteer projects

    (Data based on 2024–2025 internal follow-up and outcome reports.)

    🤝 PARTNERS & CERTIFICATIONS

    • FARR Accredited – Florida Association of Recovery Residences

    • CRRA Certified – Certified Recovery Residence Administrator

    • Behavioral & Health Partners: On-Call Behavioral Health Doctor | General Practitioner Telehealth

    • Community Alliances: Local Faith Organizations | Workforce Development Agencies | Veteran Support Programs | Caregiver Consulting Inc.

    • Nonprofit Collaborations: Secured Living Inc. 501(c)(3) – Providing financial education, transitional assistance, and family restoration programs

    🗝️ Owners’ Remarks

    Empowering Recovery Through Leadership, Compassion, and Purpose

    Welcome to Secured Living Sober Homes,
    where transformation begins with structure, stability, and support.

    As co-founders and program directors, we bring both academic expertise and lived experience to every life we touch. With a doctorate in Organizational Learning and Leadership and a background in Human Resource Development, I (Dr. Chasity) am committed to creating an environment that restores dignity and equips men to lead meaningful, sober, and self-sufficient lives.

    Recovery is more than abstaining from substances—it’s about rebuilding your identity, finding purpose, and learning to live again with accountability and peace. Our homes are designed to provide not just a place to stay, but a path to independence—integrating counseling, life-skills training, job readiness, and holistic wellness.

    As a Black woman whose father once lived in program homes, I know the journey firsthand. That’s why I lead with compassion, structure, and opportunity—ensuring every resident has access to premium, affordable, and safe housing where healing and growth are possible.

    Mr. Carlton brings strength, discipline, and leadership drawn from his experience as a veteran and entrepreneur. His vision is to help men rebuild wealth through health and structure—proving that your past doesn’t define your potential.

    Together, we lead with heart and purpose. At Secured Living, you’re not just a resident—you’re part of a family that believes in your capacity to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

    With respect and belief in your future,
    Mr. Carlton & Dr. Chasity Fortham, Ed.D.
    Co-Founders & Program Directors, Secured Living Sober Homes