President & Executive Director

Steve La Mont Smith

A visionary community leader, pastor, educator, entrepreneur, mentor, and youth advocate dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities throughout Muncie, Indiana, and surrounding regions.

PastorCoachMentorEducatorFounder

As President and Executive Director of the Marketplace Community Outreach Center, Steve leads initiatives focused on education, entrepreneurship, youth development, workforce training, transitional support services, community outreach, and economic empowerment. His leadership is centered on creating opportunities that strengthen families, develop future leaders, and revitalize underserved communities.

Steve is a graduate of Ball State University and also earned graduate-level education through University of Saint Francis, equipping him with academic, leadership, and organizational experience that supports his work in ministry, athletics, education, and nonprofit development.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Steve serves as Pastor of Spiritual Missionary Baptist Church and has spent decades mentoring youth and families through faith-based outreach, counseling, leadership development, and community programming.

As a basketball coach, trainer, and mentor, Steve has worked with athletes from elementary school through collegiate and professional levels. His background includes collegiate basketball experience, national recognition, leadership in player development, and years of coaching excellence through Whirlwind Basketball and community athletic initiatives.

Steve is widely recognized for his commitment to helping young people discover purpose, discipline, leadership, and confidence both on and off the court.

Founder of

Building lasting institutions

Whirlwind Basketball LLC

Steve La Mont Smith Corporation

Divine Truth Ministries

SLMS Studio

Marketplace Community Outreach Center Inc.

Programs created under Steve's leadership

Youth mentorship
Athletic development
Music and media production
Entrepreneurship training
Transitional housing support
Workforce and leadership development
Community revitalization initiatives

Marketplace currently provides

Educational support
Job readiness training
Entrepreneurial development
Food access initiatives
Community events
Youth engagement programs
Financial literacy education
Arts and music opportunities
Faith and family support services

Core Areas of Leadership

Decades of multi-disciplinary impact

Community DevelopmentNonprofit LeadershipYouth MentorshipMinistry & Faith-Based OutreachAthletic Training & DevelopmentEntrepreneurship EducationWorkforce DevelopmentMusic & Media ProductionLeadership DevelopmentEconomic Empowerment Initiatives

Administrative Staff

Meet our team

Event Coordinator

Clarise Smith

Clarise Smith is a dedicated and detail-oriented Event Coordinator with a passion for creating memorable experiences that bring people together. With strengths in organization, communication, and leadership, she specializes in planning and coordinating community events, business functions, youth programs, and special celebrations with professionalism and creativity.

Known for her positive attitude and ability to connect with people, Clarise works diligently to ensure every event runs smoothly from start to finish. Her commitment to excellence, teamwork, and community engagement makes her a valuable asset in organizing impactful and successful events.

Human Resources Professional

Whitney Nichole

Dedicated and detail-oriented HR professional with a passion for supporting people, strengthening workplace culture, and helping organizations grow through effective communication, leadership, and team development.

Committed to professionalism, integrity, and creating positive experiences for employees and clients alike.

Senior Community Outreach Coordinator

Gladys Johnson

Dedicated community leader with a passion for serving people, building meaningful relationships, and strengthening neighborhoods through outreach, compassion, and engagement.

Gladys Johnson brings wisdom, professionalism, and a heart for the community, helping connect individuals and families with resources, support, and opportunities that inspire growth and positive change.

Youth & Community Outreach Coordinator

Hezekiah Smith

Hezekiah Smith is a dedicated Youth & Community Outreach Coordinator with a passion for empowering young people through mentorship, leadership, athletics, and creative development. Known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to connect with youth, Hezekiah plays an active role in helping build confidence, discipline, and purpose in the next generation.

Through community outreach initiatives, Hezekiah works to create meaningful opportunities for youth and families by promoting education, teamwork, and personal growth. He is actively involved in youth training and athletics, helping develop skills both on and off the court while encouraging leadership, accountability, and perseverance.

Director of Community Engagement

Robert Homer

Robert Homer serves as the Director of Community Engagement, bringing a passion for people, relationship building, and community connection to the organization. A graduate of Ball State University and a proud veteran of the United States Army, Robert is known for his outgoing personality, leadership, strong communication skills, and ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.

With a heart for service and community impact, Robert plays a key role in building partnerships, coordinating outreach initiatives, and strengthening relationships throughout the community. His military background helped shape his discipline, commitment, teamwork, and servant-leadership approach, which he now uses to help empower and support others.

Vision

"To create sustainable opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen families, develop leaders, and transform communities through education, faith, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and service."

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