Alumni

Alan Joseph "A.J." Parker

My name is A.J. Parker and I am a Family Foundation Fund Alumni. My mom enrolled me in the program in 2003 and I graduated from the program in 2011. To be honest I did not understand why it was important to have a father figure in my life. But I'm glad that my mother being the wise woman that she is knew better. I would complain to my mom about what I didn't like about the program. But I have to admit through the mentor program I learned the value of hard work, commitment, servant leadership, and to look at life's journey from a biblical perspective.

I learned that my spiritual life in Christ Jesus, and biblical understanding are the key components to a successful life.I am grateful for my surrogate father who taught me many life lessons such as how to have faith, reliability, keeping my word, and even helped me learn how to drive…Even after I wrecked his truck...thanks for being patient with me Mr Andy. Mr Andy always had my best interest at heart. I would spend time with him over the weekends and he would be in the stands when my football team played. Sometimes when I wanted to be self-centered and focus on myself he would help me process what was right. I am grateful that he has always been there for me. I know he prays for me and truly cares about my future.The Family Foundation Fund is true to its mission statement, changing lives one boy at a time. Mine is a life that was changed.

Darius M. Foreman

My experience with the family foundation fund was an exceptional one. They provided a wide range of opportunities for me as young male. They taught me the things a young man should know about life and how to attain the life I wanted. Over the years they taught me things from oil changing on cars, how to wash cars, what to wear on formal occasions, proper etiquette, and the list goes on. More importantly what they taught me about was being a Son of God and living my life according to God’s word.

My time in the program was sponsored by Vince Gill and Amy Grant. I thought it was pretty cool that Vince Gill would occasionally eat breakfast with me and my surrogate father, Mr. Larry Malone. I thought it was very special that Vince took me to outings such as basketball games and would invite me over to his house. I would recommend this program for any other fatherless boys who are less fortunate much like I was

This program provides opportunities for young boys and provides help through their mentoring programs. They take the boys on trips throughout the year to various locations, pending the circumstances, such as Florida, Denver, Georgia and even some international trips and it allowed people like me to visit and experience other places I would not otherwise had the opportunity to.I along with my other brothers/friends in the program was not only  treated well, but we also gained a friend and father figure from our Surrogate Dads. The surrogate fathers are there to help raise the young boy into mature Godly Men. He’s someone who grows with them and  watches them grow and teaches them the dos and don'ts of Manhood.

Mr. Larry guided, taught, and showed me about the role a father plays in the lives of his family. I’m glad I was able to participate with the Foundation because the program is worth the time.