Kelly Jermaine Turner: Author, Life Coach, and Community Advocate

Kelly Jermaine Turner, the driving force behind Symple Soul, is a remarkable author and life coach with a deep commitment to community transformation. Her journey is one of resilience and redemption, having served 13 years of a 25-years-to-life sentence at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, California, for a nonviolent offense. Despite the odds, Ms. Turner’s indomitable spirit and the support of her pro-bono legal team led to her release in 2009 after a judge ruled she had been “over-sentenced.”

Following her release, Ms. Turner authored two inspirational books, *The Art of Frowns to Smiles* and *The P.O.W.E.R Process (Positive Objects & Words Equals Results)*. These works form the foundation of her 501(c)(3) organization, Symple Equazion, Inc., which facilitates cognitive behavioral therapy groups. Her unique approach, documented in her books, has allowed her to reach and transform the lives of court-supervised youth and students within the Merced County School District. Beyond facilitating therapy groups, Ms. Turner offers opportunities for youth to complete community service hours and receive leadership training across California.

In recognition of her impactful work, the Merced City Council selected Ms. Turner in 2015 to oversee the McNamara Community Youth Center. This drop-in center provides youth aged 8-18 with homework assistance, character-building activities, and creative outlets. Ms. Turner’s dedication to creating healthy communities further materialized with the opening of Aim High Transitional Home, supporting young women aged 18 to 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

In 2021, Kelly Turner expanded her mission with the launch of the Symple Soul food truck. This venture is more than a culinary delight; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for formerly incarcerated men and women. In collaboration with the Merced County Probation Department, Symple Soul provides employment and training to individuals seeking a fresh start. The food truck serves up high-quality soul food, using the freshest ingredients – fresh and never frozen. With beef ground fresh and chicken cut by a butcher exclusively for Symple Soul, every meal promises exceptional taste and quality.

Through Symple Soul, Ms. Turner combines her passion for delicious food with her unwavering commitment to community service. Each meal purchased supports their work readiness program, making a tangible difference in the lives of those striving to reintegrate into society. Symple Soul is not just a food truck; it’s a catalyst for change, embodying Ms. Turner’s vision of personal empowerment and healthy communities.