
Amelia Ann Adams
Amelia Ann Adams sowed many seeds … some on rocky soil, some in fertilized soil and even concrete. She was intentional about the way she cared for the seeds by nurturing, watering and giving them the nutrients they needed to flourish.
Four key takeaways that she learned from Rev. Adams are:
You are here for a purpose, walk in it.
Use your good anger, to bring about change.
True community engagement is in relationships.
Sometimes our pain is our purpose.
Our Inspiration
Administration Staff

Joycelyn
Phillips
Administrative Manager

Johnna
Grimes
Administrative Specialist

Carla
Woods
Administrative Specialist
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Compassion
Our History
The Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center (AAAWLC) was founded on November 28, 2016, by Christina Peoples as a living tribute to the life and legacy of Pastor Amelia Ann Adams. While Pastor Adams did not create this organization herself, her unwavering commitment to service and compassion served as the guiding inspiration for its founding.
Pastor Adams was a pillar of the San Joaquin County community, deeply respected for her work in social justice, education, and health. She had a remarkable ability to see the potential in everyone she encountered, especially those who were often overlooked or unseen. Her life’s work was rooted in building relationships, fostering hope, and helping people thrive. Inspired by these values, Christina Peoples founded AAAWLC to continue this legacy and ensure that Pastor Adams’ vision for a stronger, more compassionate community lives on.
The Founding Journey
On December 17, 2016, AAAWLC received its official nonprofit status, marking a formal beginning to its mission of service. However, the work of the organization began long before its official recognition. In August 2011, Christina piloted AAAWLC’s first program, Empowered Women of Excellence, which provided a safe and supportive environment for women to heal, grow, and thrive.
A major milestone came when Christina received AAAWLC’s first grant from First 5 San Joaquin to support the SJTEETH Program. This funding not only allowed the expansion of services but also enabled the organization to hire its first employee, Miss Roslyn Burse, known affectionately in the community as "Ms. Roz." Ms. Roz was a former participant in the Empowered Women of Excellence program, demonstrating AAAWLC’s commitment to investing in the very people it serves.
Community Health & Equity Staff

Quatisha
Armstead
Community Health
Worker

Eva
Cobb
SistaCoach

Flandra
Williams-Grim
Director of Community
& Health Equity

Denise
Thomas
Housing Locator

Janet
Phillips
Outreach Specialist
Healing Programs Staff

LeLe” Ly’Jahnae Naulls
BPHFHF Healing
Coordinator
Social Justice Staff

Isaiah
Battle
Case Manager

Rodolfo
Buenrostro-Suguitan
Civic Engagement Lead
Youth Services Staff

Precious
Antoinette Williams
Youth Coordinator

Timothy
Vaughn
Youth Coordinator

Isaiah
Evans
Youth Coordinator

Kalea
Wilson
Youth Coordinator

Joaquin
Diaz DeLeon
Youth Justice
Organizer

Thomas
Wallace
Youth
Coordinator

Camry
Williams
Youth Power Building Coordinator
Our Board

Henry
Phillips
Board Chair

Bunje
Adams
Board Treasurer

Kennetha
Stevens
Board Member

D'Adrea
Davie
Vice Chair
Team In Memoriam

Miss Roslyn
Burse
Outreach Specialist

William
Potter
Youth Justice Coordinator
Meet our Team
Executive Staff

Christina
Peoples
Founder/Executive Director
Founder & Executive Director
Christina Peoples is an experienced leader, advocate, and visionary with over 17 years of experience in community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and trauma-informed program development. As the Founder and Executive Director of The Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center (AAAWLC), Christina has built a healing-centered organization dedicated to uplifting underserved individuals and families in San Joaquin County through programs rooted in health, education, social justice, and healing.
