By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — From the streets of Skid Row to becoming the president and CEO of Christ-Centered Ministries and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, Pastor Troy F. Vaughn’s journey is a testament to the power of redemption.
Now, he’s sharing his testimony in his book, “From Skid Row to CEO,” offering hope and inspiration to those struggling with homelessness, addiction and finding a purpose.
“I wrote the book because I want people to know they’re not alone,” Vaughn said. “No matter where you’ve been, you have a chance to start again.”
Vaughn will host “From Skid Row to CEO: A Leadership Launch & Celebration of Collective Impact” from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16 at WePlay Studios, 235 W. Florence Ave. in Inglewood.
Kicking off a weekend of celebrations honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the “invitation only” event also marks the release of his self-published book, through T.F. Vaughn Enterprises LLC Publishing, and spotlights a movement to restore lives through Christ.
The evening will feature a live reading from the book, an on-stage interview with Vaughn, and testimonies reflecting the collective work of Christ-Centered Ministries and the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, a network of more than 400 organizations working to support formerly incarcerated individuals.
A resilient man with a heartwarming story and a comforting personality, Vaughn, a Los Angeles native, reveals in his book how he overcame homelessness, lived on Skid Row, was a drug addict, suffered from mental illness and post traumatic stress disorder, was incarcerated.
Despite his challenges, Vaughn, a former Marine, found faith and transformed his life, becoming a voice of change.
He co-founded the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, an organization that supports individuals reentering society from homelessness and incarceration through faith-based mentorship, leadership development, and pathways to successful reintegration.
“This is not just about where I’ve been,” Vaughn said. “It’s about what’s possible when faith meets opportunity and community shows up together. Redemption doesn’t end with one story. It becomes a movement that restores lives and builds leaders.”
As the CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, Vaughn, 62, a married father of two, and grandfather of six, is leading the charge to transform lives and communities.
The organization, which employs about 600 people, provides housing, job training and advocacy, helping individuals overcome systemic barriers and build new lives.
“We’re creating pathways to success,” said Vaughn, who earned a master’s in business administration and a doctorate in theology, and owns multiple businesses. “And it’s working. God has blessed our work.”
I recently spoke to Vaughn about his life, and how he made it “From Skid Row to CEO.”
DD: Why did you decide to write this book?
TV: It was full circle for me. God brought me out of homelessness on Skid Row. I’m telling my story in a way that gives God glory. It creates a divine thread. The way God has given me to tell my story is extremely unique. This book is the first of a three-part series. The next book is about the lives of the people we touched throughout the ministry. The third book will be about the systems that God allowed us to create. There is so much more to be revealed. I want my life to be a reflection of his grace and his mercy.
DD: Who should read this book?
TV: This book should be everywhere. It’s a teaching book. It’s a blueprint.
DD: As a former Marine, how did your military experience shape your approach to overcoming adversity and achieving your goals?
TV: I think some of it innately was there. My time in the Marine Corp was traumatic. When I was in the military my dad was found in a Porta-Potty with a needle in his arm in Centinela Park in Inglewood. I was in my 20s. It made me snap. I didn’t come back from that for seven years. I was 18 when I went into the Marines. I got out and wandered the streets for seven years. I couldn’t focus. I was heavily medicated. I was mentally ill. I can say that now with clarity. I didn’t know what it was at the time.
DD: Have you ever been incarcerated?
TV: Yes, during the seven years. I had a one-year conviction.
DD: Your organization helps people reentering society after incarceration. What are the most critical needs for people reentering society?
TV: Some of the most critical is a home, a place to stay. Stabilization is critical. Reorientation is also important in a safe and practical way.
DD: What’s the biggest misconception about reentry?
TV: That these people don’t have value, and that people don’t deserve a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance.
DD: Do you remember your first day/night on Skid Row?
TV: My first night was in a shelter. I remember being in and out of places. Sometimes I was on the street, or in garages. I was never stationary. My existence was very nomadic. It was my first time being un-housed, but I didn’t feel like I was un-housed as long as I had my mom. When I had her, I never felt homeless. The moment my mother said she couldn’t visit me on the streets any more was when I felt homeless. It was December 13, 1992. She said she just couldn’t come out any more. That was my rock bottom. That’s when I felt alone and fear set in. That’s when I turned to God. I entered a yearlong rehabilitation program, went to school and turned my life over to God.
DD: Then what?
TV: I ended up at the Union Rescue Mission. How I got there was really like an out-of-body experience. I had an encounter with the Lord. I realized I had repressed so many things. I went through recovery. I went through 12 steps. I have repressed so much stuff. I didn’t even know myself. I got in the hands of a person who knew how to dig. In that digging, so much trauma was exposed.
DD: Why do you think you were able to make it from Skid Row to CEO?
TV: Mine is a journey that is still being written. It was to bring me to where I am today. To show people there is a way to escape. I’m here to be a blessing to others.
DD: Why did you become a pastor?
TV: Well, I didn’t want to be a pastor. I was just doing evangelism. This is God’s work. The church was set to close. It was in debt. Me and my wife used our life savings and pulled the church out of debt. God told me to take the reigns. He made me a pastor. That was almost 30 years ago.
DD: What advice do you give to others facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?
TV: Take it one day at a time. One minute at a time. Just hold on. Everything can change in a minute.
DD: What do you know for sure?
TV: I love the Lord. This whole memoir is dedicated to him. It’s really my love letter to him. I’m so grateful and thankful that he saved me.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
