ABOUT
THE COMMISSARY FUND
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MISSION & VALUES.
The Commissary Fund (TCF) is a nonprofit, charitable organization that raises and pools money to provide commissary funds to incarcerated individuals in New York State and eventually around the country.
The Commissary Fund's Value Statements
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We believe that ordinary people, donors, and volunteers can make a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.
We believe that incarcerated people have the right to basic necessities—food, hygiene products, clothing, and communication with loved ones.
We believe that incarcerated people via their loved ones shouldn’t have to subsidize prisons, jails, and private companies by paying for basic necessities.
We believe that simple goods and necessities can change an incarcerated person’s life—one item at a time.
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MEET THE TEAM.
Mia Johnson
Board President
Mia Johnson was born and raised in Rochester, NY. She graduated with master’s degrees in education from Columbia University and the University of Rochester. She currently works as a web content writer/editor in the government sector and resides in Washington, DC. Influenced by her studying of mass incarceration and social justice, she knew it was her time to do and act—actively address a problem and confront the often-ignored issue of commissary in the jail and prison system. With a great and dedicated team, this led to the fruition of The Commissary Fund.
Stephanie Johnson
Board Vice President
Stephanie R. Johnson was born and raised in Rochester, NY. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice from the prestigious Howard University. After graduating from Howard University, Stephanie continued her education and obtained a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law. Stephanie is currently an attorney and resides in Washington, DC. Stephanie has always been passionate about social justice and serving underserved communities. She is dedicated to helping others, and, as Vice President of The Commissary Fund, she is able to contribute to her community in a meaningful way.
Gail Johnson
Board Treasurer
Gail Johnson was born and resides in Rochester, NY. She graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Master of Science in Software Development and Management. She also received a master’s degree in  Business Education and advanced certificates in School District and Building Leadership. She currently teaches English Language Arts in the Rochester City School District and is an adjunct associate professor at Monroe Community College. Gail has always promoted the welfare of others. This charitable organization is close to her heart because her uncle was once incarcerated. The Commissary Fund allows her to continue her philanthropy.
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Kallia Wade
Board Marketing Chair
Kallia Wade hails from Jamaica, West Indies, where she was born and raised. She graduated from Whittier College, in Southern California, with a bachelor’s degree in English and Child Development. She also earned a master’s degree in Education Policy from the University of Rochester. Kallia currently lives in Rochester, NY and works for the Rochester City School District Board of Education as a Community Liaison Specialist.  Kallia is an advocate for change and is interested in building relationships with other change makers. She joined The Commissary Fund to serve the community, and help challenge the status quo and issues within the prison system.
Norman Simmons
Board Fundraising Chair
Norman Simmons was born and lives in Rochester, NY. He earned a Master of Public Administration. He currently works for the Rochester City School District. He’s also heavily involved in his community and serves as a mentor to the youth, running a basketball program called Hoop & Motivate. Norman is also a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Norman knows firsthand how the lack in commissary can impact incarcerated individuals. He is confident that The Commissary Fund will benefit those who need it the most, and he is excited to help The Commissary Fund with its delivery and reinforce a necessary change in the criminal system.
Dominique Freeman
Board Member
Dominique Freeman is originally from Los Angeles, CA and is an alumna of the foster care system. She graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Dominique currently lives in Washington, DC and works at a national non-profit as a Policy Specialist. As a Policy Specialist, she helps elevate the voices of the youth to ensure America's child welfare system equitably and safely serves families of color. Dominique has found her passion in building a social movement dedicated to improving the child welfare and criminal justice system through leadership development, poverty alleviation, advocacy, and education. Dominique joined The Commissary Fund to actively work towards ensuring ALL individuals have financial resources and support to live their best life.
Selinia Parchment
Board Member
Selinia Parchment was born in Northport, MI. She graduated from Bethune-Cookman College with a bachelor’s degree in Geronotology and Sociology. She also earned a master’s degree in Education from St. John Fisher College. She currently lives in Rochester, NY and is employed as a Social Studies teacher in the Rochester City School District. ​What drives her commitment to The Commissary Fund is that she is reminded, through scripture, that she is called to love others. As a member of The Commissary Fund, she is able to effectively support the needs of those most often marginalized and forgotten while fulfilling the scriptures that call those to love and remember those less fortunate.
Tasia Clemons
Board Member
Tasia Clemons was raised in Amherst, MA. She attended Framingham State University where she earned her degree in Sociology and Criminology with a minor in Spanish. She also graduated with her master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. After working in residence life for 7+ years, Tasia shifted her career and currently serves as a legal program manager for a Black law center doing paralegal work. After seeing how incarceration impacted her family members and learning about incarceration in college, Tasia noticed gaps in how colleges and universities support students impacted by incarceration. This is how her small business, Redesigning Justice, became a reality. This business empowers those who were previously incarcerated; educates colleges, universities, businesses, and organizations on the prison industrial complex; and engages online communities grounded in her whole purpose: compassion. Tasia joined The Commissary Fund because she knows although one person can make a difference, a community can make true systemic change. For Tasia, TCF is this community.
Melissa Wade
Board Member
Melissa Wade hails from Jamaica, West Indies, where they were born and raised. They started their professional career at the University of Technology where they achieved a Bachelor’s in Architecture. After leaving school their passion shifted to marketing, which soon followed the pursuit of a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Nazareth College. They currently work as a project leader at a creative agency in Rochester, NY. Melissa joined the TCF to follow their passion for helping people. Through participating in various volunteer opportunities locally and internationally they have been able to lend their expertise in marketing and technology in hopes of making a positive change in the lives of individuals and families wherever possible.
“113 million adults have an immediate family who has ever been to prison or jail”
- Prison Policy Initiative
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