Initially skeptical, Chris was won over by the intentional care and support he received. He explains, “Cornerstone cared for me and I needed to keep going and not give up … I appreciate all of my Cornerstone mentors who made me the man I am today. They were hard on me yet also encouraged me, and they cared about my faith, academics, basketball (three championships!), and my personal life.”

After graduation, God led him back “home” as a full-time Cornerstone staff member. He desires to be a friend and mentor to kids like him because he understands that “without mentors and father figures, many kids in our neighborhood lack guidance and feel alone and lost, which can lead to dark paths and negative behaviors. That could have been me.”

Chris is a staff-and-student magnet, regularly greeting people with a hug and a “let me pray for you.” He is often found listening to, encouraging, tutoring, and praying for his “younger brothers and sisters,” or challenging them to a friendly competition on the basketball court.

Chris lives with selfless gratitude that is bringing generational change to his neighborhood.