Talesha Payne is the Vice President of Community Impact at Jamboree, responsible for leading the organization's efforts in designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating housing-based programs and services for special populations. These include individuals experiencing homelessness, mental and behavioral health conditions, and a variety of other challenges. In addition, she also leads the development of CalAIM service strategies and health system relationships to enhance Jamboree's ability to provide services to our residents and the communities we serve.
Prior to joining Jamboree in 2023, Talesha held the position of Vice President of Housing Programs at St. Anne's Family Services (SAFS). St. Anne's is a social service provider located in Los Angeles County that offers mental health services to address complex trauma, as well as housing sustainability and early childhood education services for families and youth. During her tenure, Talesha oversaw the housing division's operations, where she implemented innovative support programs for homeless families in Permanent Supportive Housing. Additionally, she was responsible for developing self-sufficiency initiatives for Transitional Age Youth (TAY) and creating a nurturing and secure environment for parenting and expecting teens who are associated with the child welfare and/or juvenile justice system through SAFS Short-term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP).
Talesha is a strong advocate for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), which offers long-term rental subsidies and Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) to individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness and have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, and/or behavioral health conditions. She believes to be effective, supportive housing programs must be designed to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve, including understanding and addressing the complex trauma that many individuals have experienced. This requires meeting individuals where they are and providing culturally responsive and equitable services.
Talesha, a servant leader at heart, believes in the power of giving back. In 2020, she became a certified foster parent with Los Angeles County, welcoming vulnerable youth into her home and providing them with a safe space to help change their trajectory. When not giving back, Talesha and her wife enjoy spending quality time with their 12-year-old daughter, who is an active cheerleader and dancer. Among their favorite activities are visiting Disneyland, ziplining through the rain forest, and attending live NBA and USC Trojans football games.
Guiding Principle: Supportive housing programs should be accessible and equitable, meaning that they should be designed to meet the needs of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, language, or ability. This includes providing culturally responsive services and accommodations.