A SON’s Story

The son of a well-respected local pastor was arrested in the early 2000s and charged with a felony for marijuana possession and distribution. He was sentenced to six years in prison. Upon his release, he lived in his parents’ basement for several years, depressed and despondent.

We came to know this young man and appreciated his ability to articulate his feelings and his station in life. 

While working to get his life back on track, he organized and coached his children and others in a very successful football league. We saw him shine in this area, yet continue to struggle with a job or career. He just could not find his sweet spot...

Then he met a counselor who had started his practice in West Michigan, focusing on at-risk juveniles.

 The two men connected deeply through their shared experiences of making mistakes, paying for them through time in prison, and rebuilding their lives. The counselor has started mentoring this young man, who is now serving some of the same youth he coached in the past. ​

​The Cord Group is involved in this relationship by funding a paid position for the young man, which has helped create a new-found spark in his life. He now has purpose and direction. Because of his experience and deep community connections, he is making a difference in young people’s lives in a way that few can.