Chris

Chris did not get an easy start in life. He never knew his father, and his mother was a drug addict. He was in and out of foster homes throughout his young life. Eventually, his grandmother took custody of him. He said that at that time in his life, he was angry and getting into fights. He never felt like he fit in with others at school.

Chris eventually got into more serious trouble and was sent to Teen Challenge. At first, he thought that it would be like any other placement he had been in before. He soon found that things were different. The staff really cared for him and spent time investing in his life. One of the staff actually became like a father figure to him and was someone he was able to confide in and turn to for counsel.

Chris received Christ at a special youth event while at Teen Challenge, and it was at Teen Challenge that Chris' life took on a new direction. After graduating Teen Challenge, Chris returned home and finished high school. He joined the Army National Guard in 2000 and has been on active duty since 2005. He spent two years in Iraq and carries the rank of sergeant. He is currently on active duty in the U.S. While stationed at home, Chris was able to attend college. He graduated with degrees in both criminal justice and psychology.