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Visionary

The leader behind dfree.

Our Founder
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. D.Min

Dr. Soaries is the President and CEO of Corporate Community Connections, Inc., a company that assists corporations expand and improve their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. His pastoral ministry focused on spiritual growth, educational excellence, economic empowerment, and faith-based community development.

Soaries earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. Dr. Soaries resides in Sarasota, Florida with his wife, Donna.

Legacy of Leadership

1992

Founded to Rebuild and Empower

Founded the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation (“CJCDC”), a non-profit organization that specializes in helping revitalize underserved and vulnerable neighborhoods.

1992

1996

Harvest of Hope: A Home for Every Child

CJCDC launched Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc.  This organization developed permanent solutions for hundreds of foster children and parents.

1996

1999

Dr. Soaries Breaks Barriers in Public Service

Dr. Soaries served as New Jersey’s Secretary of State, making him the first and only African-American male to serve in that office. 

1999

2002

Founded to Rebuild and Empower

Founded the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation (“CJCDC”), a non-profit organization that specializes in helping revitalize underserved and vulnerable neighborhoods.

2002

2005

Founder of the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement

Dr. Soaries launched the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement.  The dfree® strategy teaches people how to become financially self-sufficient.  His work in financial empowerment was featured in a CNN documentary.

2005

Trusted Partners
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Key Achievements

Faith & Community Leadership

  • Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens for 30 years
  • Founder of Central Jersey Community Development Corporation (CJCDC)
  • Founder of Harvest of Hope Family Services Network
  • Inductee, Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers, Morehouse College

Education

  • B.A. from Fordham University
  • Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary
  • Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary

Corporate & Board Leadership

  • President & CEO, Corporate Community Connections, Inc.
  • Independent Director at Independence Realty Trust and Ocwen Financial Corporation
  • Former Director at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (16 years)
  • Trustee at RWJ Barnabas Health

Public Service

  • New Jersey Secretary of State (1999–2002) – first African-American male in the role
  • Former Chairman, U.S. Election Assistance Commission

Financial Literacy & Media

  • Founder of the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement (featured in a CNN documentary)
  • Host of weekly SiriusXM radio show “For Your Soul”
  • Author of 12 books, including Say Yes to No Debt and Say Yes When Life Says No

Connect With Us

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Diana Belle
Clear View Baptist Church
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Zeta Ph Beta Sorority, Inc.
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc
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Sylvia Blades
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