Donella “Dee Dee” Richardson-Graham has worked in the community for over 30+ years. She started out volunteering her time at an AIDS organization by sharing her passion with the community until Regional AIDS Interfaith Network gave her the opportunity to receive a position as an Outreach Coordinator. As the years came to past, she received awards for Community Activism and being employed by other non-profits and private practices.
Dee Dee worked hard to receive an associate’s degree in Human Services, bachelor’s degree in Health Education with a minor in Community Health at Johnson C Smith University and a master’s degree in social work to show others they can accomplish anything in life as well. 
Life Into Life was formed as a Non-profit Corporation under North Carolina state laws to be a temporary place for individuals to build their self-esteem and mental state. After a patient entered her office asking “Ms. Dee, where can I pitch a tent?” An ah-ha moment of the idea of something must be done to provide a safe place for individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and homeless. A place where they can receive all the services needed to become self-sufficient and be successful to not go back to homelessness. Simultaneously the name and the logo came to mind.

COVID-19 has moved to no longer being confined to one’s home, so other ideas have come forward. Not dismissing the fact Transitional Housing isn’t important but now other ideas have surfaced.  The linkage to care component for individuals who are homeless, re-entering society from prison, COVID-19 has expanded the playing fields of so many “gaps” for individuals who do are not fortunate to be able to navigate the healthcare system or how the world has changed since entering in the prison system. Knowing how to use a cell phone, how to complete a job application, to know where to go to look for healthcare without health insurance. Life Into Life has moved into this sector to assist these individuals as well.