Social Model Recovery Systems’ growth has always been rooted in our commitment to community.
As SMRS continues to evolve, so does our commitment to strengthening partnerships, advancing community-driven solutions, and ensuring the voices of the communities we serve remain at the center of our work.
It is with great pride that we announce the appointment of Charles Porter as Senior Director of Community Initiatives, a newly established leadership position that reflects both the continued growth of SMRS and Charles’ extraordinary contributions to the organization over the past 25 years.
Charles’ journey with SMRS began in 1999 through the United Coalition East Prevention Project (UCEPP). Over the past 25 years, he has been a driving force behind prevention, community engagement, and public health, dedicating his career to improving outcomes for underserved communities throughout Los Angeles County.
As Senior Director of Community Initiatives, Charles will help lead the continued growth and evolution of SMRS, ensuring that community voice, partnership, and innovation remain at the center of our work. His leadership will help strengthen programs, expand opportunities, and advance solutions that improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Few individuals have done more to shape the physical and strategic footprint of SMRS in Skid Row than Charles Porter. For more than two decades, he has helped build the relationships, partnerships, and community trust that serve as the foundation of our work. Whether advancing prevention initiatives, strengthening community engagement, or helping bring transformative programs to life, Charles has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to see what is possible and bring others together to make it happen. His work has helped create spaces where people can meet their most basic needs with dignity, access support and resources, and begin taking steps toward stability and recovery.
Please join us in congratulating Charles Porter on his appointment as Senior Director of Community Initiatives. We look forward to the continued impact of his leadership as he helps shape the next chapter of SMRS and the communities we are honored to serve.
