Staff & Leadership

Lori Banfield, Executive Director

Dr. Lori is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University (B.S., Psychology), Palmer Theological Seminary (Master of Theological Studies), and Eastern University (Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy). Outside of Executive Director duties at Redemption Housing, Dr. Lori serves as Lecturer of Psychology at Eastern University, Assistant Director of Instructional Design at Palmer Theological Seminary, and Mamher of Practical Theology at Meachum School of Haymanot. An avid researcher and all-around social justice advocate, she has authored many publications, including her own book, Walking Worthy of My Calling: Journey Back to the Likeness of God. Lori resides in West Philly with her husband, young son, and daughter, serves as Associate Elder at Word Formed Church, and endeavors to build atmosphere changers and restore sacred space within and beyond church, school, and prison walls.

Solomon Jefferson, Chaplain

Solomon is a graduate of Wilmington University in Georgetown, DE (B.S., Criminal Justice) and of Palmer Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He is married and has 5 children. He and his wife Jamila are members of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he serves with the prison ministry and the transportation ministry. Solomon enjoys ministering to people with addictions and the prison population, including being a pen pal to inmates in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Solomon is co-host along with his wife of the podcast “It’s Not How You Start But How You Finish.”

Minister Lance Goodwin, Assistant Chaplain

Lance is a graduate of Morgan State University (B.A., History) and Relay Graduate School of Education (M.A.T). Professionally, Lance works as an administrator and teacher at a middle school in West Philly. He and his family are members of Word Formed Church where he serves as an associate minister and his pastor’s assistant.

Christina Frazile, Volunteer Coordinator

Christina Frazile holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from West Chester University and is pursuing a Master’s in Urban Strategy at Drexel University. She serves as the Research Program Coordinator at the Drexel Solutions Institute at Drexel University. Driven by her passion for social impact, it is her desire to foster inclusive environments that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, encompassing their mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions. Christina cherishes her time with loved ones and actively participates in the vibrant community of Word Formed Church. 

Deacon Edward Patterson, Building Maintenance Coordinator

Lori Banfield

(See bio above under role as Executive Director.)

Scott Buchanan

Scott is a graduate of Missio Seminary’s urban leadership program (M.Div.). In addition he holds a M.S. in pastoral counseling and a B.S. in biology. After living in West Philly for five years partnering with a local multiethnic church, he and his family moved to New Jersey, where Scott serves as an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Mount Holly. Professionally, Scott works as a software engineering manager.

Tim Johnson

Tim is the controller of a non-profit organization in Philadelphia, having previously worked as the financial administrator of an elder law firm and as a public high school math teacher. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Eastern Mennonite University and a M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. Tim and his wife Carol are active members of West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship and participate as much as they can in the life of their neighborhood. They have two grown children.

Robert Kuehl, Chair of the Board

Robert is a psychotherapist who works with adults, children and adolescents in an outpatient setting. He is a graduate of Temple University (B.A., Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media) and Eastern University (M.A., Clinical Counseling). He attends West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship with his family where he seeks to bring issues of race and mass incarceration to the greater consciousness of the congregation.

Karol Mason

Karol is a graduate of Morgan State University (B.S., Telecommunications), Towson University (M.A., Communications), New York University (M.S., Grantmaking and Fundraising), and United Lutheran Seminary (M.Div.). She has served as a professional fundraiser, specializing in grant writing and corporate and foundation relations since 2003. Karol is a founding leader of the Restorative Beacon Collective (#RBC) and an associate minister at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown where she was licensed in March 2019.

Rob Solomon

Rob is a graduate of Cairn University (B.S., Bible & Ministry Leadership) and Palmer Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He is the Senior Pastor of the Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown. He has served homeless men in our city for nearly ten years as a chaplain and case manager. These experiences in both faith based and secular contexts have helped inform his efforts to respond holistically to this crisis. Rob & his wife Gwen live in the Penrose section of South West Philly.