Open Arms Against Abuse Services

Pamela Smith-Payton

Community Service Advocate | Nonprofit Leader | Program Director

pamsmithpayton@openarmsagainstabuse.com

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Pamela Smith-Payton is a dedicated community service advocate and seasoned program director with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, social services, and crisis intervention. With a passion for empowering individuals and strengthening communities, Pamela has played a pivotal role in creating and managing impactful programs that address domestic violence, re-entry transitions, and community outreach.

As the Founder and Program Director of Open Arms Against Abuse Services, Pamela established a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, advocacy, and resources for survivors of domestic violence. Under her leadership, Open Arms grew from a small grassroots initiative into a thriving organization operating two facilities with a dedicated staff and over 30 volunteers. Through strategic fundraising efforts, Pamela successfully secured nearly $70K in annual contributions, cultivated partnerships with local government officials and corporate sponsors, and gained support from prominent sports organizations such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Phillies. She is also CEO of Gospeloduim Music and COO of MAAT Transportation.  She also volunteered to head up other projects like Diva Style and Queens Magazine she is always looking for a way to help inspire young girls into becoming more independent looking for a better future.

Pamela’s management expertise extends beyond the nonprofit sector. As a Community Support Manager at Community Options, Inc., she supervised staff, managed financial operations, ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines, and developed individualized support plans for people with disabilities. Her background also includes roles as a Transition Specialist, assisting incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society by providing essential resources, counseling, and career development programs.

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Acknowledgments & Awards:

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Pamela’s dedication to community service has been recognized through numerous awards and commendations, including:

• 2011 – National Society of Collegiate Scholars Recognition

• 2008 – Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia, Mayor Michael A. Nutter

• 2007 – Certificate of Recognition for 25 years of Public Service to the City of Philadelphia

• 2007 – Certificate of Achievement, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

• 2005 – Letter of Commendation from Governor Edward G. Rendell, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

• 2005 – Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia, Mayor John F. Street

• 2004 – Congratulatory Citation, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

• 2004 – Certificate of Recognition, Lutheran Settlement House Bilingual Domestic Violence Program

• 2004 – Letter of Recognition from Governor Edward G. Rendell, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

• 2004 – Certificate of Achievement, The Mayor’s Office of Community Services Workwise Program

• 2004 – Letters of Support and Commendation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Senate, and City Council

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Memberships & Affiliations:

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Pamela is actively involved in various community organizations and advocacy groups, including:

• Board Member, Stop the Violence Community Task Force

• Board Member, Open Arms Against Abuse Services

• Member, PA Domestic Violence Task Force

• Member, 12th District Police Department, Philadelphia, PA

• Member, Philadelphia Town Watch

• Member, Southwest CDC NAC

• Block Captain, 1100th Block of Wilton Street

• Community Activist, Violence Prevention and Public Safety Initiatives

• Home & School Representative, School District of Philadelphia

• Member, Mitchell Home & School

• Member, Marion Oaks Civic Association

• Member, Gospel Music Hall of Fame

• Member, NAACP, Democratic Women's Group

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Legacy of Leadership & Advocacy:

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Recognized for her unwavering commitment to social change, Pamela has spent decades advocating for vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources to build a better future. Through her nonprofit work, crisis intervention, and community engagement, she continues to impact the lives of individuals and families in need.

She is also married to a wonderful man for 25 years, she is a mother of 12, a grandmother of 25, and a great-grandmother of 6.​​

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