The Nehemiah Project LA, Inc. (NPLA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Whittier, California. NPLA is dedicated to helping former foster youth become self-sufficient and independent, providing them with housing, resource and referral services, and other essential support. Bishop Smith founded NPLA out of a great need to provide support to the growing number of former foster youth in his church and surrounding communities that were experiencing homelessness and other barriers to successfully living independently once they transitioned from the foster care system. His approach has always been to surround these young people with the “forever family” they never had.
Bishop Ed is also the Emeritus Senior Pastor of Zoe Center of Whittier, Founder of Awyken Certified Life Coaching, and the Bishop of the Zoe Association of Churches and Businesses. He has always had an affinity for helping people and building strong sustainable businesses
