The Deep Dive: "Poverty Does Not Discriminate"

The Memphis Table sat down with Jim Torino, candidate for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District. Drawing from his background as a national healthcare Chief Operating Officer, a non-profit founder, and a local pastor, Torino shared his perspective on macro-level federal policies, front-line community work in Memphis, and his vision for bringing sustainable economic growth to Shelby County.

1. From Executive Boardrooms to Federal Healthcare Defense

For years, Jim Torino operated in boardroom settings evaluating health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable populations in the country—specifically individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

When asked why he chose to leave executive leadership for federal politics, Torino pointed directly to top-down policy decisions that restrict patient care.

"In healthcare, you get to see the real outcomes of how people improve their well-being. But when constraints continue to be placed on the American people by federal policy, it's like trying to plug a hole in an unpluggable boat," Torino explained. "For example, our organization used telehealth triage to keep 90% of IDD patients out of emergency rooms. It saved money and protected patients with cerebral palsy or autism from waiting four hours in an ER. Federal Medicaid cuts directly threaten these home-based services."

Torino emphasized that safety-net programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid require proactive defense rather than political posturing:

"Paying into Social Security used to mean you could feel confident it would be there when you retired. We need people in Washington who have the courage to stand up, expand healthcare access, and protect our seniors so they can retire with dignity."

2. The Domino Effect of Re-Entry and Homelessness

Through their non-profit, The Friend Foundation, Torino and his wife, Bethany, work on the front lines with Shelby County residents navigating homelessness, substance abuse recovery, and re-entry following incarceration.

Torino highlighted how small, hidden barriers frequently cascade into massive obstacles for individuals trying to rebuild their lives.

"Most people don't recognize the domino effect," Torino shared. "We helped a woman coming out of incarceration who wanted to work. But without public transportation, walking miles to a job wasn’t sustainable. We petitioned the court to help restore her driver's license and provided a vehicle—only for her to fail the eye exam because she lacked eye care coverage. You have to understand these complex layers if you want to write effective federal policy."

3. Faith, Community, and Rejecting Nationalism

In addition to his non-profit work, Torino planted Loving Kindness Fellowship, a non-denominational community gathering launched in a public park to serve unhoused individuals who felt alienated by traditional church institutions.

Despite his pastoral background, Torino drew a clear boundary regarding the separation of church and state:

"I run on principles to help 'the least of these'—that’s how I choose to live my life. But the Constitution clearly guarantees freedom of religion and freedom from religion. There has been a rise of Christian Nationalism in this country, and it is incumbent upon Christians to push back on that. You can worship how you choose, but do not push that onto the rest of the community."

4. Economic Mobility and Addressing Division

When asked how his experience prepares him to represent the culturally diverse and historically divided 9th District, Torino focused on shared human needs over political rhetoric.

"A gentleman at a forum once asked me point-blank what I could do to help a Black person," Torino recalled. "My answer comes from what I've seen on the ground: poverty does not discriminate. Hunger does not discriminate. Addiction does not discriminate."

To address local economic stagnation, Torino outlined a strategy focused on leveraging federal infrastructure grants and targeted business incentives:

• Infrastructure Grants: Securing federal transit funding to restore civic transportation options (such as local trolley and shuttle networks) connecting residents to job centers.

• Small Business Revitalization: Structuring tax incentives for local entrepreneurs to refurbish vacant storefronts in core commercial corridors.

• Direct Representation: Creating open lines of communication across all neighborhood zip codes, regardless of political affiliation.

"If you vote for the same old thing, you get the same old thing," Torino concluded. "This is your moment to use your voice for real change."