Success Stories

Congratulations! Today, our first set of guests graduated, and five of the seven graduates were offered part-time, 1099 positions with Marchman’s firm, Watchman Security.  The other two guests have  follow-up interviews next week with Ryan’s HR manager, so I hope to hear good things there.  While we were billed for 10 seats, only 7 guests completed the class, and Ryan has graciously agreed to give those three seats back to us if we’d like to fill them later. I am thrilled about this partnership and look forward to its continuation! We have nine men who have agreed to participate in the next class which begins on Monday. If you could go ahead and send Cathy an invoice and copy Amanda and Raphael, that would be great.

CLIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT Congratulations Mr. Denver Burton! Congratulations to Mr. Denver Burton who moved into his own apartment at O’Hern House! He faced many barriers to housing and with help and support from our AMAZING staff at The Evolution Center, he was able to reach his goal of obtaining housing. While at The Evolution Center, Mr. Burton developed relationships with his case manager, the program manager, and the staff. He learned to trust them, and he was empowered to reach his main goal, a home of his own. As he completed his exit assessments, Mr. Denver said his overall satisfaction for life has improvedsince his arrival to Evolution Center, and he left here expressing his gratitude.

Mr. Joe Bedford got an early Christmas present -- a home of his own. As a resident of the Evolution Center he was able to transition to his own apartment through the help of the Bridges to Homes project.

Mr. Bedford has been homeless since 2007, and he says he is “just glad” that he has a place to call his own. Originally from from Marietta, GA, Mr. Bedford never married and does not have any children. During the times he was experiencing homelessness, Mr. Bedford was living in shelters all over Atlanta and in Cobb County, as well as sleeping outdoors when shelters were at capacity. Mr. Bedford is actively looking for work, hoping to get social security disability income, and with the help of Gateway Center, he now has an appeal pending. In the past, Mr. Bedford provided caregiving services to friends and family members in exchange for housing. When they passed away, he would then experience homelessness. This happened three times and right before he made his way to the Evolution Center and made the connections necessary to get his own apartment. With a big smile on his face, Mr. Bedford told us that the first thing he did when he entered his new home was to “go to sleep” because he no longer had to get up at 5:00 a.m. each day to walk the streets. Sweet Dreams Mr. Bedford!

Our client Jimmy Lockett’s smile says it all. This week he reached a major milestone: He opened his very first checking account! He said he’s excited to set up direct deposits through his job so he won’t have to carry cash around any more, and so he can avoid the heavy check cashing fees. Jimmy is also excited to take Gateway Center’s Financial Literacy classes so he can learn how to manage his account. Jimmy is currently residing at Gateway Center, and his GWC case manager has helped him get the medical diagnoses he needed. Soon, his cataracts will be removed, and he will be able to see the world in a whole new light!

Mr. Marvin Ware was a member of the Gateway Center's Upward Program for approximately 6 months. Mr. Ware was referred initially to Gateway Center' s Veteran program. However, Mr. Ware requested to be a member of the Upper Program instead of the VA program to better ensure he addressed his need to maintain his sobriety. At the time of his enrollment, Mr. Ware stated that he was led by the Spirit to travel from Iowa to Atlanta seeking to address his addiction . He said that once he arrived in this city, he found himself without a home and sleeping in his car for four nights. Once he found his way to Gateway Center, Mr. Ware was quickly attracted to the Matrix curriculum being used in the Upward Program, and he began actively participating in the groups and coaching/case management services. Mr. Ware said, "the process was challenging," but through it all he survived the program that he is committed to his recovery and maintaining his sobriety. He said he understood the importance of truly completing his first step and applying the spiritual principles. After he completed his first step, Mr. Ware begin the process of preparing himself to reenter the job market by working with Gateway Center's Career Resource Center and being linked to the job readiness program at community partner Main Frame . Mr. Ware already possessed a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), and had access to transportation, so securing a job was made easier once he stabilized his housing at Gateway Center. We are very proud to share with you that Mr. Ware successfully graduated from the Upward Program in August and has obtained a driver position with a local trucking company . He reported that he once again he was led by the spirit to take advantage of an opportunity and has recently moved forward with a lease-purchase of a 2018 Freightliner Tractor and now has established his own trucking business . Mr. Ware's experienced at Gateway Center highlights two of our 5 Keys of Success (Housing and Employment) to end his current condition of homelessness.   You can now find Mr. Ware on the highway traveling the from the Atlanta to Midwest to the East Coast and back to Atlanta.

 Christopher Brooks is one of many clients who has recently found #AWayHomethrough Gateway Center. Having been homeless for four years, he arrived in Atlanta two years ago hoping to finally end his homelessness.

After receiving his assessment from our ClearPath @ Gateway Center team, Mr. Brooks was placed in Gateway Center’s Evolution Center (low-barrier shelter). In this program, Gateway Center staff provided him with not only a place to stay, but intensive case management services that included the development of an Individual Service Plan. His ISP provided him with a pathway back to school, housing options, financial planning and other supports that would aid him in his ability to regain his independence. Currently, Mr. Brooks is majoring in Elementary Mathematicsat Western Governors College where he takes online courses and expects to graduate in May, 2019. His personal goal is to teach fourth grade mathematics.

While he was homeless, Mr. Brooks said he bounced from shelters to bridges, and he expressed that having his own place often felt unrealistic. This month while signing his lease, he said he now feels extremely blessed, and he began to sing "The Storm is over now” by Kirk Franklin.

Mr. Brooks shared that he is grateful for the assistance the Evolution Center provided and he has plans to visit in the future and volunteer.

 

Jason Alexander was a successful baker, chef, and saucier and who also has 15 years of experience in corporate management in the food service industry. Jason’s homelessness began when he was involved in a fire; he lost everything and began to migrate from state-to-state to try to reestablish himself, but he had little success. Eventually, Jason came to Atlanta after his daughter learned about Gateway Center. When Jason arrive, he had a serious medical diagnosis, so GWC entered him into the recuperative care program. He was also provided with the counseling and support he needs to address his alcoholism. Within 60 days, Jason became healthy enough to transfer to the Resident Intern program where he has proven to be a leader among his peers. He is very well spoken, and he has shown great flexibility when dealing with others. Jason is also involved with the Georgia Works! program through GWC. He hopes to return to management in a corporate office setting where he will he can return to productivity despite his new physical limitations. At present, he is contemplating going back to school to reinvent himself. While he has experienced critical medical challenges, Jason has received a clean bill of health from his physicians. Jason is ready to hit the ground running!

German Leon left his home to join the army when he was just 18 years old. Now 53, Mr. Leon has been displaced from his family for over 22 years. Until today, that is. On Friday December 4th, Mr. Leon and his care team huddled together and waited for his sister to arrive. After weeks of searching, Gateway's staff discovered a connection to Mr. Leon's family through Facebook. 22 years' estrangement later, the room was quiet with anticipation. Mr. Leon looked down and fiddled with his jacket's zipper, looking up occasionally to ask how far away his sister was. "Not long now ..." said Tonya Boose, Gateway's Sr. Programs Director, "The drive from South Carolina takes a while." "This day came faster than I expected..." German thought out loud. The whole room beamed. For the next hour, Gateway and VA staff who knew Mr. Leon sat together and exchanged loving stories about him. German laughed along shyly--his mind clearly occupied elsewhere as he waited for his long lost family member to arrive. Finally, German's sister was brought upstairs to Mr. Leon's dorm room where he waited. Staff gathered round and watched as the two exchanged hugs and hellos. What does one say after two decades' separation? German's sister pulled a small laminated ID out of her wallet and showed it to the group. "That's you!" she exclaimed to Mr. Leon, "Can you believe you were ever so young?" The ID pictured a younger and skinnier German Leon from his days serving in the army. "How did you get this?" he asked. "Our mother saved everything." she said. "What's the first thing you're going to do when you get home?" Tonya asked. "Sleep probably. Relax," said German Leon, "I won't have to worry about being cold anymore." "Everything is going to be okay." said his sister. The group gathered Mr. Leon's 3 suitcases, brought them downstairs, and loaded them into his sister's car. Final goodbyes were said before the two got into her car to drive away. "Thank you for everything," said Mr. Leon to his care team, "You all have helped me so much." We are so proud to have been a part of this incredible story. Congratulations Mr. Leon! We wish you the very best.

Eugene Henry, 63, wears a crisp suit and carries a briefcase in hand at all times. His friends and family call him "Bubby." He's an older gentleman with grandkids and a twinkle in his eye. Mr. Henry arrived at Gateway in December 2013 and, although he was in a new and unfamiliar place, he had an air of confidence that I would come to know as characteristic. What I did not know at the time, however, was what Mr. Henry kept inside that briefcase of his ... "Trophies," he calls them. Momentos from the past: awards, letters, and, most notably, a photocopy of a wanted sign featuring a younger-looking version of himself. The photograph is worn, but his likeness is undeniable. Could this really be the Bubby Henry we've all come to know and love at GWC? Eugene spent 17 years in Federal Prison before coming to Gateway. And although he made some big changes during his time in prison, Eugene found himself on the streets with nowhere to go for several days before he sought out Gateway Center's help. "I'm not the same person I was when I went in," he explains during our interview, "I dug deep into myself and when I came to Gateway, I made a conscious decision to help other people." Eugene did help people. He was quickly recognized by his case manager as a role model for other clients and was promoted to Resident Assistant--helping our case management team and mentoring his peers. Eventually, he rose to "Resident Intern" and began working with staff and gaining customer service skills. Mr. Henry was respectful and always went out of his way to be kind to those who needed his help. While we spoke, Mr. Henry began to pull out pages from his briefcase and lay them carefully before me on the table. Certificates of achievement, letters of recommendation, and even an award given him by the Speaker's Bureau for his role debunking stereotypes about homelessness in Atlanta, one story at a time.

"These are trophies to me. I want to frame them and put them on the wall of my new apartment. Sure, maybe they didn't come from Georgia State, Emory University, or Harvard, but it means so much to me. I carry them around to remind me of where I've been ... And where I want to go."

Eugene was a mentor before he arrived at Gateway and continues to mentor others on their journey long after. He often returns to Gateway to volunteer and help out at the front desk. About Gateway he says, "Gateway is a special place. I wanted to have my own key to my own apartment. Now I have both." Congratulations Mr. Henry. We couldn't be more proud!

Mr. William Tolbert is living, breathing proof that it’s never too late to change. At the age of 66, after over 15 years of chronic homelessness, Mr. Tolbert experienced a 360° shift in his outlook on life thanks to GWC. Mr. Tolbert, an Atlanta native, passed by Gateway thousands of times before finally coming inside. He struggled with addiction all his life, served in the army before discharging in 1974, and became caught up in the criminal justice system, which led to his being repeatedly turned down for housing. Tolbert made several attempts at recovery throughout the years, but nothing stuck. That all changed on May 29^th, 2014. William received a medical diagnosis for depression and a doctor’s note which explained that his condition would improve with access to steady housing. As a result, Tolbert entered Gateway’s former Pre-Treatment program for addiction recovery. Under case manager Will Parish’s guidance, Tolbert learned about the nature of his disease and what it takes to overcome addiction. After graduating from Pre-Treatment, Tolbert entered into Gateway’s Upward Program, which offers fraternal support, day-to-day structure, and help with  job/housing search. “I came here with an attitude of indifference and intolerance,” William explains, “I was mad with everyone who tried to help me because they weren’t doing what I wanted right then. But before I left Gateway, I was working behind the [Client Engagement Center] Desk, so the shoe was on the other foot.” In fact, Tolbert discovered a deep love for serving others during his experience at Gateway Center. Gateway staff noticed quickly that he was a role model within the residential community, so Tolbert was invited to join the Gateway Center “Resident Assistant/Intern” program. It was through this role—supporting others who were entering into Gateway programs and attempting to end their homelessness for the first time—that Tolbert truly experienced a transformation. LaBaron Brown, the Resident Assistant Program Coordinator, had a huge influence. “Gateway gave me the opportunity to find out who I really was. Mr. Brown told us we had to reinvent ourselves—I’m 66 years old! It’s hard for me to reinvent myself, you know. But I learned that I had to be empathetic. I learned that I had to treat other people the way I wanted to be treated. I changed my attitudes and behaviors—and that’s what recovery is.” After almost one full year at the Gateway Center, Mr. Tolbert was hired by Crossroads Community Ministries to support others on their journey toward self sufficiency. And on April 27^th, William moved into his very own apartment! Today, he's reconciled with his family, children, and grandchildren and is working part time to help transform the lives of others the same way Gateway's staff transformed his own. “I’m overly grateful for everything that Gateway has done for me. I’m right where I’m supposed to be right now. I like going home to my own house. I’m truly happy. And I think this is what God wanted me to be all along. This is my vocation: to be a helpful servant. And the blessings just keep coming.”   Congratulations William Tolbert! We will miss your kind spirit at the Gateway Center, but are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished.

"What do you wish people knew about you?" I asked Oriel McCarthy upon meeting him. "My talent. My ingenuity. My perseverance... That's more than one." He said without missing a beat. I realize now, after getting to know Oriel McCarthy during our interview, that his talent, his ingenuity, and his perseverance (perhaps most of all) are the qualities that define him. Because of Mr. McCarthy's talent, ingenuity, and perseverance, he was able to overcome every obstacle in his path. "I started from the bottom and now I'm half-way there," he told me. "I couldn't have done it without Gateway." Oriel McCarthy was born in Jamaica in 1963, but moved to the United States via New York City with his family when he was 12 years old. He attended school in Brooklyn, where he spent his most formative years, but left New York in 2006 for Atlanta. "Things were good for me when I first started," he explained, "but I caught a charge in Atlanta in 2009 and was then incarcerated. When I got out 5 years later in March of 2014, I wound up being homeless." Oriel, like so many young men and women, found himself lost, alone and without resources after being released from prison. He began living on the streets for several months, sleeping frequently in an abandoned house in East Point. Oriel also has a mental health diagnosis, which increased the strain put upon him during this time. Luckily, Mr. McCarthy had a counselor who, after learning his story, referred him to the Gateway Center. GWC, unfortunately, has only a finite number of program beds available each weekday morning and space is highly coveted. Each day a line begins outside our doors around 4am and continues until 7am when program intake officially begins. Oriel, being the tenacious soul he is, waited in line for 4 days in a row at 5am each day before finally making it into a program spot on the 5th day. "Thank God Amanda and Kayla [Assessment Case Managers] made the decision to give me a chance," he said. Since coming to Gateway, Oriel McCarthy's life has turned a corner. He describes his experience at the Gateway Center as a positive learning experience. In his words:

"People cared about me here. Amanda [Case Manager] has been real good with me. She's worked with me. At first all I had was my green card and birth certificate. Since I arrived here I've got my state ID and I got a job. Everyone's been so positive with me. I have a lot of appreciation for Gateway because if it wasn't for this place, I wouldn't be on my feet--or even half-way there."

Mr. McCarthy was hired by a Jamaican restaurant on MLK and has already gotten a raise. He's a hard working man--always going above and beyond what is asked of him, even during his time at the Gateway Center.

"I was doing a lot of chores and caring hours because I wanted to give back. I used to put in--what was required? 4 hours?--I was giving 12 hours a week. I appreciated that there was food on my table, a roof over my head, and clothes on my back. In society you have to work for these things, so I felt the least I could do was show my appreciation and give back. I did what I had to do and the light opened up at the end of the tunnel."

Today, with the help of his Case Manager, Amanda Van Dalen, Oriel McCarthy is in affordable housing at the Welcome House, but he has his sights set even higher . . .

"I have a bank account now and my goal is to save enough to get my own apartment. I would like someday to be able to volunteer my time and come back to help the rest of the people here. I want to get a car and travel to see my family in NYC because I miss them a lot. Someday I might start my own business. I feel good about my positive direction and intentions. I started from the bottom and now I'm half-way there."

We couldn't be more proud of you, Mr.McCarthy! Your Gateway family is rooting for you every step of the way!

This morning, I received a lovely note from one of our staff members who has been with the Gateway Center for many years. This is the story of a young woman who experienced a transformation thanks to the dedication of our staff. I hope Tina's story inspires you as much as it has inspired us here at GWC! In the words of Ms. Gloria Brewer, Client Service Aid: I ran into a former client on the westbound MARTA Train Tuesday night, March 17, 2015.  This young lady's name is Tina and she was in the Women and Children's Program on the main floor at Gateway several years ago before Gateway was converted into an all men's residential center. This young lady was in her early 20's at the time and was going through some hardship; struggling with her identity and the challenges that come with being a young adult.   She was unemployed, very opinionated, and frustrated about her living conditions. Tina was a very difficult and troubled young lady.  She was a person who didn't like following the protocols that were required of the women who were seeking assistance from Gateway. Mrs. Sandra Austell--a Client Service Aid who worked on the 1st floor in the Women and Children's Program--befriended this young lady. Ms. Austell was able to get Tina to listen and respect those who were working so diligently on her behalf to help end her homelessness situation. After, counseling, and being mentored by Ms. Austell,  Tina began to change her disposition and her attitudes toward the staff in the Women and Children's area. Thanks to Ms. Austell, Tina left Gateway with a new and  positive attitude toward life. On March 17th when I ran into Tina on the Westbound train, I saw a new and improved beautiful looking young woman.  She looked so happy, energetic, and full of life--not at all like the young woman I had met several years ago in the Women and Children Center refusing to cooperate with staff. Tina shared with me while on the train that she is now working for CDC. I was so impressed how beautiful and professional she looked! Tina told me to be sure that I tell Ms. Sandra Austell that she is doing well and is working for CDC. When I arrived to work that night, I was ecstatic and couldn't wait to tell Ms. Austell the exciting news regarding her success. Ms. Beal, I share this story with you because this is one of the many stories that I hear everyday.  The wonderful work that the staff here at Gateway does everyday in helping to change the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness. Please continue to share the stories of the clients and please include the staff and their dedications in helping to end homelessness. Thank you, Ms. Brewer, for sharing Tina's story! And a huge thank you (now and always) to Sandra Austell and all of our amazing staff here at GWC who work so hard every day to change lives and end homelessness for each and every person who walks through our doors.

James McCain Jr. is something of a Gateway miracle. Arriving at Gateway Center in May 2014 after having lost everything, it took Mr. McCain only two months to get his life back on track, graduate from Gateway's Life Changers program, and move into his own apartment. Today, James has returned custody of his son and was gracious enough to share his story. James is a soft-spoken and incredibly humble man. During our interview he explained,

"I do a lot of listening. This is the most talking I've done in a long time. Where I come from before you're walking and talking you learn to respect your elders, hold your peace, and listen. You've got two ears and one mouth."

James grew up in Sumpter, SC and graduated from high school in 1995. Only two weeks after graduation he entered the U.S. Marine Corps at 18 years old. For the next 5 years James moved around the world with the Corps--traveling to California, Australia, and Japan where he climbed Mt. Fuji. During this time he met and married a woman in California who then gave birth to their son in 1999. James McCain left the Corps in 2000 and he and his family moved to Atlanta where, as he explains in his own words, "Things did not work out because I was young at the time--23 years old--and I didn't understand how to do the family thing ... I lost them because of me running around and not being productive." After his marriage ended, his ex-wife returned to California with their son, but James learned shortly afterward that she had become incarcerated. "I went to California to get my son who was 8 months old at the time," He remembers, "As I went to get him from the San Jose Airport, I remember he grabbed for me! So that moment was really what started my journey of raising my son." James and his baby boy, James McCain III, moved to Washington DC seeking a connection with his mother's family there, but found that they were not the support system he'd hoped for. Instead he was left to do almost everything on his own. "You know it takes a village to raise a child ... And there I was with this baby who drinks simalac milk. We had to go apply for food stamps and do all the other things mothers go through. Appointments and shots and getting into school, while at the same time I was working." James' son is now 15 years old, a sophomore in high school, and an honor roll student who loves math. James hasn't entered a new relationship in 15 years. "It's been just me and my son. He does math I've never even heard of. I'm very proud of him." But unfortunately it was not all smooth sailing for James. In 2008 he began using drugs as a means to cope and struggled with addiction for subsequent years. "I started using to get away," he explains with a distinct sense of self-awareness, "It was not constructive." James moved back to ATL with his son hoping to reconnect with some of his family, but was again unsuccessful in doing so. "It was kind of hard adjusting. I did have a job in Decatur, but I lost it (like I said) due to addiction." After losing his job, he and his son lost their apartment and became homeless in late winter of 2014. After losing custody of his son, James hit his lowest point and knew it was time to make a change. "Losing my son is what brought me to GWC. I turned a corner and got refocused ... Family is a big motivator. Not giving up ... Success to me is two-fold. Success is first waking up in the morning and then after you wake up, staying motivated to try to make the world better. I spent so many years blaming, but that was a waste. We all have to get on one accord to make this place better that we live in." James had one of the stortest stays in Gateway history. After only 2 months in our Life Changers program he overcame addiction, was hired downtown as a cook, and moved into his own apartment. Today James has been returned custody of his son and they live together in his new apartment. "We're doing better day by day," he says. When asked what one piece of advice he would give to a large group of people, he said simply: Live. Amen, James. We are so proud of you and your son! James has a strong relationship with music and loves to sing and play the blues with his band in his free time. Have a listen to his moving song "Story of My Life" for yourself! [audio mp3="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Story-of-my-life.mp3"][/audio]

By: Sophie Beal Michael came to Gateway Center only 4 months ago after struggling with chronic homelessness and mental illness all his life. But at 43 years old, Michael came to Gateway Center and discovered a loving and supportive environment that changed everything. With the support of his case manager and close friends at Gateway, Michael has been in therapy, taking medication, and on a path to recovery. But that's not all... Throughout his therapy, Michael began to write about his experiences with homelessness and Bipolar Dissociative Disorder--and in so doing discovered an incredible gift. In this video Michael shares a poem with us written about his experience with mental illness. A deeply religious man, Michael came to understand his struggles with Dissociative Disorder as a struggle between God and the Devil. His emotional poem, "Blind Right Now" agitates us to a deeper understanding of mental illness, homelessness, and ourselves. Thank you Michael for sharing! We are so grateful. Michael really wanted to include his best friend, Will Oliver in his interview. He and Will (pictured below) have a special bond and have helped push one another to be their best selves while at Gateway. It goes to show that Gateway is a community. We change lives and end homelessness every day, but we can't do it alone. Join our community! Follow Gateway on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and/or sign up for our monthly Newsletter. Learn all the ways that YOU can help change lives and end homelessness in your community!

By: Sophie Beal Fredrick Payne (known by most as Fred) is an incredible and dedicated human being. He arrived at Gateway as a client, rose in the ranks, was hired, and quickly became one of our most valuable employees. Today, Fred is our 3rd Floor CSA, but is always willing to help out wherever he is most needed. Now that our Summer Interns' time with Gateway Center has come to an end, our 1st Floor Client Engagement Center requires extra help to compensate. Fred has not missed a beat--stepping up and helping our Lead CSA, Esque, to provide each person who walks through our door with the highest quality care. Fred approaches each new client interaction with patience and steady calm, often offering much needed advice and words of wisdom. During our interview, Fred was approached constantly and hardly had a moment to catch his breath long enough to answer my questions. He told one woman who was discouraged with her situation, "We all get tired, but we just can't give up." Thank you for your hard work, Fred! You've earned that trophy.   Where are you from? I’m originally from Atlanta, by way of California. I moved back to Atlanta when I was about 12-13 years old. Where did you go to school and what did you study? I went to Atlanta College of Business and graduated, then went to Georgia State and graduated with a degree in Management, and then went to Russ Institute and studied Security.   What led you to Gateway? I actually found the Gateway Center through one bought of homelessness that I went through over a weekend. I went to Peters Street. And one of the guys over there came up to me and said “You don’t belong here. This does not fit you. You need to go to Gateway.” I went to Gateway, entered the program, and eventually graduated. I was hired by Gateway and today I'm the 3rd Floor CSA. What inspires you most in your job? Helping people. Seeing them come back and acknowledge that I helped them in some way. That’s the best thing about it. When I see a client who was here once and they come back to remind me of what I did for them—that’s my reward. What is the hardest part of your job? Not being able to help someone in the way that they need help. Having to tell them no. One of the hardest parts was when I worked in the women’s and children’s center and they’d come in at 10:30 p.m. with children and we didn’t have space, so we had to turn them away. When you get discouraged, what keeps you going? Prayer. I have church members I call when I get to that point. Either that or I work out on my music on my keyboard—that lifts me up. What’s one memory of Gateway you’ll always remember? There are many memories I have from Gateway . . . Recently, there was a guy here who was ready to give up, but I talked to him just like I do with all of our clients. What started as a one on one turned into a group session and, low and behold, he listened. He decided to be patient, put the work in, went out there and found a job. Now he’s about to move into his own place. Another memory was when I graduated from the program the clients here threw a party for me. What do you like to do in your free time? I always tell the guys here—I never have any free time. I’m just as busy on the weekends as I am during the week. But when I do have time I watch movies, study, and work on my music. I do gospel, R&B, Jazz (but mainly Gospel). I perform every Sunday at church. Where is your favorite spot in ATL? According to my wife, my kids and my church members, my favorite spot is American Deli—but I think my favorite spot is actually home. If you could give one piece of advice to a large group of people, what would it be? Be patient. Keep focused. Keep the faith. Keep at it. Don’t give up. That’s what I keep telling the guys here. That’s what I’d tell anyone.