History of the foundation of Friends2Go
A Word from the Founder
In 2021, as the pandemic amplified social and personal challenges within Black communities, the urgency to address a growing mental health crisis could no longer be ignored. Having personally experienced mental health struggles, I decided to channel my journey into something meaningful for the collective good.
Roberte Lodimus -
That is how Friends2Go was born a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and support in ethnic communities. Recognizing the pandemic’s devastating effects, rising discrimination, and increasing femicides, we set out to create a safe space where the suffering and specific needs of our communities could be heard and addressed.
Guided by lived experience and determination to make a difference, Friends2go offers tailored resources, educational workshops, and direct support to members of Black and other ethnic communities. Our work centers on mental health education, culturally appropriate support, and dismantling stigma.
But our mission goes further. Since 2023, Friends2Go has extended its reach into federal correctional institutions: we conduct group therapy sessions for Black and ethnocultural inmates, offering them a supportive, nonjudgmental space to heal, share, and rebuild self-esteem.
We address trauma, substance-use issues, relationships, and much more, and we provide follow-up support even by phone upon request.
For many participants, these workshops are the first time they feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. The initiative fosters connection, hope, and a sense of humanity essential elements in the rehabilitation journey.
Since its inception, Friends2Go has become a symbol of hope and solidarity. We envision a future where every individual — regardless of their background or life situation can access the support they need to face mental health challenges. By transforming a difficult personal journey into a lifelong mission, we hope to create a positive and lasting impact in our community and beyond.
CORE VALUES: Responsibility, availability, reliability, efficiency, honesty, loyalty, positivity, and dependability.
DÉCLARATION DE VALEUR: Cultural Empowerment
"If people want to live at a higher level, they must believe in a higher level."
~Steve Backlund, The Culture of Empowerment : How to Champion People
Roberte Lodimus
President/Founder
Roberte is a helping-relations therapist with academic training in psychosocial intervention and administration. After many years working in administration and telecommunications, the pandemic awakened in her a deep need to make a meaningful difference in her community and to give true purpose to her studies in psychosocial intervention.
As a therapist, she is deeply committed to promoting emotional and mental well-being within Black communities, while actively challenging the stigma and taboos that still surround mental health. Her practice is driven by a strong desire to create safe, culturally aware spaces where individuals can feel seen, understood, and supported in their personal transformation.
Her journey has also been enriched by significant experience within federal correctional institutions. She facilitates group workshops focused on self-esteem, trauma, interpersonal relationships, and personal development. Through her compassionate and culturally sensitive approach, she offers incarcerated individuals a rare space for expression, healing, and reflection.
Many participants have shared that these sessions were the first time they felt truly heard and valued.
This work inside prisons strengthened her conviction that accessible, culturally informed psychological support can genuinely change lives — even in the most challenging environments. It is this mission that Roberte continues to carry forward through Friends2Go.
Alexandra Joseph
Co-Vice-President
Alexandra is deeply committed to social justice and women’s rights. She brings extensive experience from the telecommunications industry, where she developed strong skills in project management, strategic planning, team coordination, and operational development.
As Co-Vice President of Friends2Go alongside Kerwin, Alexandra works closely with the President and Founder to guide the organization’s direction and support the execution of its mission. Her experience managing complex projects allows her to structure initiatives effectively, oversee program implementation, and ensure strategic alignment across all activities.
Driven by a passion for creating positive change and transforming mindsets within the community, Alexandra plays a key role as a change agent, translating Friends2Go’s mission and vision into meaningful and lasting results for the communities we serve.
Dr. Absa Diallo
President of Communications
Dr. Absa Diallo is a highly qualified physician and a committed leader, recognized for her international academic background, clinical expertise, and strong communication skills. She earned her medical degree from the Université de Montréal and completed training and externships in Canada, Senegal, and Central Africa, as well as residencies in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine in Montreal.
Fluent in multiple languages (French, English, Italian, Spanish, and Wolof), Dr. Diallo brings extensive experience in communications, community relations, and organizational leadership. She has held strategic roles within medical institutions, boards of directors, and professional organizations, and has also worked in corporate and media environments.
As President of Communications at Friends2Go, Dr. Diallo leverages her expertise, professional credibility, and human-centered vision to strengthen the organization’s image, foster community engagement, and amplify the voices of vulnerable populations with clarity, integrity, and impact.
Kerwin Lodimus
Co-Vice-President
Kerwin Lodimus, co–vice president of Friends2Go alongside Alexandra, brings creativity and strong communication skills to the organization. His experience in this field allows him to offer fresh, thoughtful ideas that strengthen our identity and support the growth of our initiatives.
Deeply aware of the mental health challenges faced within ethnocultural communities, Kerwin contributes mainly behind the scenes. He reflects, advises, and helps guide the direction of our projects, offering a human, intuitive perspective grounded in collective well-being.
His spiritual outlook adds an important dimension to our holistic approach, enriching the way we design and shape our programs. Through his commitment and unique vision, Kerwin helps Friends2Go create meaningful, inspiring projects that encourage connection, hope, and positive change within the community.
Camilo El-Khouri
Director of Street Operations
Camilo El-Khouri leads street operations at Friends2go, bringing together lived experience and field-based expertise to connect with individuals facing vulnerability in a respectful, authentic, and effective way.
Committed to mental health, he oversees outreach teams, develops neighborhood-based interventions, and supports frontline, prevention-focused approaches rooted in dignity and human connection.
His work reflects Friends2go’s mission: meeting people where they are and helping build safer, more inclusive communities.