About Us

Built on Real Lived Experience

D&A Open Arms Inc. was founded in honor of DeVonte and Ashante, whose lives continue to inspire a mission rooted in service, compassion, and community.

After the tragic loss of her son, DeVonte, founder Veronica Williams chose to transform grief into purpose. What began as a personal journey toward healing became a commitment to helping others navigate life’s challenges with dignity, support, and hope.

Today, D&A Open Arms serves individuals and families through outreach, advocacy, mentorship, and essential resources designed to strengthen communities and create lasting impact.

Our Story

  • DeVonte’s Story

    A Life That Continues to Inspire
    DeVonte’ Yates dedicated his life to serving others through advocacy, public service, and community outreach. He believed every person deserved dignity, opportunity, and a second chance.

    He worked in public service assisting individuals and families, supported returning citizens as they transitioned back into their communities, and actively advocated for economic justice through the Fight for $15 movement. His passion for helping others extended to shelters, mentorship, and connecting people with the resources they needed to rebuild their lives.

    Although DeVonte’ tragically passed away in 2025, his legacy lives on through D&A Open Arms Inc. Every act of compassion, every family served, and every second chance offered reflects the values he lived by and the impact he continues to make through this organization.

  • Ashante’s Story

    A DEDICATION TO CONTINUED SERVICE
    Ashante’ Yates carries forward her family’s legacy of service through her work in psychology, mental health, and the criminal justice system. As a Probation and Parole Officer with a Master’s degree in Psychology, she is dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges, rebuild their lives, and successfully reintegrate into their communities.

    Her commitment to compassion, rehabilitation, and community care reflects the heart of D&A Open Arms Inc., ensuring the organization’s mission continues to bring hope, healing, and second chances to those who need it most.

  • Veronica’s Story

    A Mother’s Purpose. A Lasting Legacy.
    For Veronica Williams, serving others has always been more than a profession—it has been her life’s calling.

    As a U.S. Army Veteran, former 911 dispatcher, retired Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office officer, ordained minister, and Certified Grief Counselor, Veronica has spent decades supporting people through some of life’s most difficult moments. Her career has been rooted in public service, justice, and compassion.

    But her greatest role has always been being a mother.

    After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of her parents, her husband, and tragically her son, DeVonte’, Veronica chose to transform unimaginable grief into a mission of hope. Inspired by DeVonte’s passion for community advocacy and her daughter Ashante’s dedication to mental health and rehabilitation, she founded D&A Open Arms Inc.

    Today, the organization stands as a living tribute to service, healing, and second chances. Through outreach, advocacy, mentorship, and compassionate support, Veronica continues to honor her family’s legacy by helping individuals and families overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

Our Purpose

Our Mission

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Our Mission

To provide support, resources, advocacy, and second chances to individuals and families in need. Through compassionate outreach, education, and community partnerships, we empower people to overcome challenges, rebuild their lives, and thrive.

Our Vision

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Our Vision

To build stronger communities where every person has access to hope, healing, opportunity, and support. We envision a future where compassion, collaboration, and service create lasting positive change for generations to come.

What We Do

Through community-centered programs and partnerships, D&A Open Arms Inc. serves individuals and families through:

Community Outreach: Connecting families with resources, support services, and opportunities that promote stability and hope.

Reentry Assistance: Helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully transition back into society through guidance, support, and access to essential resources.

Grief & Mental Health Support: Providing compassionate care, emotional support, and wellness resources for individuals navigating grief, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Youth Mentorship: Encouraging leadership, personal growth, life skills, and positive development among young people.

Essential Needs Assistance: Helping individuals and families access food, clothing, hygiene items, and other basic necessities during times of need.

Cancer Awareness: Supporting prevention, education, awareness initiatives, and individuals and families impacted by cancer.

Domestic Violence Support: Providing advocacy, resources, referrals, and support for survivors seeking safety, healing, and empowerment.

Advocacy & Justice: Promoting fairness, equity, community reform, and access to opportunities that help individuals achieve long-term success.

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Why We Serve

Every person has a story. Many face challenges that cannot be overcome alone. At D&A Open Arms Inc., we recognize that true change happens when communities come together to support one another.

Whether someone is grieving a loved one, rebuilding after incarceration, escaping domestic violence, battling illness, struggling to meet basic needs, or seeking guidance for a better future, our organization exists to ensure they do not have to walk that journey alone.

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Why it Matters

Every family deserves support during difficult times.

Every survivor deserves a safe place to heal.

Every child deserves encouragement and opportunity.

Every individual deserves a second chance.

At D&A Open Arms, we believe lasting change begins when communities come together to uplift one another.

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