About Us

About Us.

The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation
A nonprofit corporation 501(c)(3)
Est. January 2017

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a sober-living environment for individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder.

Our Philosophy

The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation Recovery Residence offers a safe, sober-living residence to
men in recovery, in a home atmosphere. The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation (House) believes that healing occurs when an individual feels a part of and supported in a community. When following the 12-step guidelines and a set of "rules for living," our hope is that a healthy, structured lifestyle can be internalized.

Our Team

Christopher Smith
Founder

Chris Smith (Kenny’s father) is married to Gail and is employed as a Project Manager for an engineering firm specializing in antenna measurement technology. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. He has over 30 years of technical project leadership experience serving the aerospace community. Chris is the co-founder of the Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation (a NJ non-profit 501 (c)3 organization). He serves as the chairman and chief operating officer.

Gail Smith
Founder

Gail Smith (Kenny's mother) is married to Chris. She has a Master's Degree in counseling, and has spent ten years working in direct-care counseling. Since Kenny's passing, Gail has focused her work on the education and prevention of substance-use disorder with a NJ non-profit agency. Gail is also a co-founder of The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation (a NJ non-profit 501 (c)3 organization).

Jessica Jackson
Fundraising Coordinator

Jess Jackson (Kenny's sister) is married to Nick Jackson. She is employed as a Bookkeeper/Prevention Educator for a NJ non-profit agency that promotes healthy, safe, & drug-free lifestyles. She is also an online ESL teacher where she teaches English to students in China. Jess holds a BA in Elementary Education and Liberal Studies. Jess is the marketing/ fundraising coordinator & social media specialist for The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation.

Shannon Shertzer
Board Member

Jim Hogan
Board Member

Anthony Crespy
Board Member

Shannon Shertzer holds a B.S. from Lancaster Bible College and a M.S. from Cairn University. She has a variety of business experiences in hospitality, counseling, and sales. Shannon is a master's level therapist and National Certified Counselor, but currently works as a Campus Administrator and Missions Coordinator alongside her husband, Jere. Jere is the Executive Pastor at Connect Church near Boston, MA. Shannon loves cooking, interior design, and spoiling Tessa & Maggie (their Bernese Mountain dogs). She serves as a Board Member for The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation because she would like to tangibly make a difference one person at-a-time to stop an opioid epidemic that is out of control.

Jim Hogan is an engineer by trade, retired from the NJ DOT after serving long-time as director. He is currently employed by a private engineering firm specializing in transportation related projects. Jim and his wife (Dawn) are active supporters of Teen Challenge both in NJ and AZ. He leads Bible studies at the men's VOA shelter in Camden. Jim and his wife are active addiction counselors in Kensington. They have three grown children (Pat, Kelsey, & Jake), and reside in Mt Laurel, NJ. Jim serves as a Board Member for the Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation.

Anthony Crespy (Kenny's Uncle) is currently employed as an account manager at a firm which specializes in helping organizations manage and control their communications data. He is married to Lauren Crespy, and together they have two young children (Marissa & Carson). Anthony serves as a Board Member for The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation.

Steve Huffnagle
Board Member

Deborah Huffnagle
Board Member

Steve & Debbie Huffnagle have resided in Marlton, NJ for the past 35 years. They have 2 wonderful sons, Maxwell & Aaron, and recently added 2 furry Bernadoodle puppies, Caude & Margie. Steve has been an active member of the Sheet Metal Industry, Local Union 19 in Philadelphia for 40 years, and the past 30 years working as a National Environmental Balance Bureau (NEBB) certified Air & Hydronics Balance Technician. Debbie has had a professional career for the last 40 years in sales, administration, and contract operations at small & large organizations. She currently works as a Director of Contracts for a firm based out of Plymouth Meeting, PA. Debbie enjoys exercise & gardening.

Steve & Debbie's son, Maxwell, passed away at the age of 23 on Sept. 3, 2015, caused by a drug overdose. Steve, Debbie, & Aaron will forever miss Max, and their love for Max will remain forever in their hearts. As a family, they are extremely grateful to The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation that serves as their platform to honor Max. It also is a way to help those that suffer from the disease of Substance-Use Disorder, and to find hope & peace in a sober-living environment where they can call a place to live their "home." Steve & Debbie serve as Board Members for The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation.