Turning Point of the City helps with student transition processes, this includes getting youth connected to a healthy community. Through the sports program and life engagement mentorship, TPC trains these boys to return to their communities as valuable members.
Sadonte, by his own admission, was headed down the wrong path. He worked at having a fearsome reputation until a point of crisis resulted in his detention in a juvenile facility. That is when Turning Point of the City met him. It was there that Sadonte was able to engage in our Therapeutic Sports Performance Program. This program is specifically engineered to cultivate trust quickly, be a practical benefit, and serve as a catalyst for pro-social behavior when youth return to their community.
During the six months Sadonte participated with us, he grew physically faster, learned how to commit to something positive, and how true leadership is started by following the right people. When Sadonte was released, his life changed. He joined the local football program, went to practice every day and stopped hanging around negative influences. He kept up his grades and earned a spot on the varsity football team.
Our mission is to provide troubled youth with an environment that fosters deep character change. We believe helping a troubled youth change his character will result in long-term success. We assist members of our program to improve physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. We strive to help youth reach their full potential beyond the criminal justice system, becoming exemplary citizens in their communities.
We give young men the tools to break the cycle of incarnation.
Years in the making…
The first time I met Marlon was during my time in college leading Bible studies in Cook County Detention in Chicago. Ten years later I still remember him. Marlon was the most dynamic young man I have ever met. His charismatic presence commanded respect from both his peers and elders alike. People clamored for his attention, and his directives were willingly accepted. I respected and was amazed at the influence he had over those who interacted with him. He had a quiet confidence with a countenance that was reflective. People naturally knew what he needed, and his words were few when directing them to his goals. At 16 he was a powerful leader, had incredible influence, extreme intelligence, and was facing a life sentence for double homicide.
I was told under a new Chicago law, anyone present at the time of a murder would be charged with murder, even if they were not necessarily the one who committed the crime. It seemed to me that Marlon was a victim of misplaced justice. Recognizing that the circumstances around Marlon's serious charges were a judicial black hole, I knew that a young life full of potential was being wasted. It was then that the spark of Turning Point of the City was ignited with a single question. What if Marlon could be spared his seemingly irreversible fate, and those incredible natural leadership gifts were redeemed to change the entire neighborhood he lived in?
In the entire time at Cook County Detention, I only met one youth who I believed needed to be locked up. Drugs had taken their toll leaving a vacancy in his eyes that indicated insanity. Every other young person I encountered still had dreams, tried to cope with their current position in jail, liked popular music, and had a desire to change. I found no hate in their hearts, but a zest for life and optimism for the future. I did not see criminals, though certainly there were those who had made some critical mistakes, I saw the next generation of leaders and a hope for redemption.
When I followed those leaders into the most dangerous neighborhoods of Chicago, I saw how their endorsement not only kept me safe but also how the tender hearts present inside of Cook County Detention was still there. I became convinced that given the right circumstances these youth could change their fate.
Turning Point of the City exists to change the outcome of young influential leaders like Marlon in the inner city. With your help we can begin with strategic initiatives in Denver to effectively reach the young perpetuators of the cycle of violence, and expand into the hardened centers of our nation's violent neighborhoods. By utilizing a honed understanding of urban culture, carefully engineered access points into their worlds, armed with the love of Christ, we can see life transformation for those who are feared, misunderstood, and marginalized by most of society.
We are so grateful for your contribution and partnership with
this ministry. You are a catalyst of change bringing hope and transformation.
Organization name
Turning Point of the City
2013
Tax id (EIN)
47-4084957
Category
Youth Development
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
455 Sherman St Suite 120Mailing
4926 South Miller WayDenver County, CO, US
Jefferson County, CO, US