I grew up surrounded by negativity, constantly caught in situations that pulled me in the wrong direction. Trouble seemed to follow me, and I spent years going in and out of jail. A social worker finally pulled me aside and said, “You deserve a fresh start.” That encouragement brought me to Atlanta — and that’s where everything began to change.
One of the guys in the Back on My Feet program saw something in me right away. He said, “Man, you’ve got to be a part of this.” I didn’t hesitate. I was ready to take advantage of every opportunity to become better.
From my very first morning with Back on My Feet, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time — positivity. Real, genuine positivity. Being around people who wanted to lift me up instead of drag me down… it changed everything. Nothing is stopping me now.
Since joining the team, I’ve accomplished things I never thought possible. I got my driver’s license — my first one ever. I’m healthier, stronger, more disciplined, and more grateful than I’ve ever been. I even ran my first race at Meaningful Miles, and my team, Gateway, won the Family Cup. That moment filled me with pride I can still feel today.
Soon, I’ll be starting a permanent job in security, and I’m working toward earning my barber’s license. Cutting hair has become one of the ways I give back — offering free cuts to people in the community who are struggling, just like I once was.
Back on My Feet has helped me move from jail to greatness. The energy I feel from this team — the love, the support, the belief — it’s powerful. It’s real. And it’s helped me become the man I always knew I could be.
“I feel loved, supported, and proud of the man I’m becoming.” 💪🏽❤️
