Once incarcerated, now this Charlotte man shows others the path to a second chance.

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative

2 years ago

The program at Freedom Fighting Missionaries includes connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with housing and employment. Photo: DJ Simmons, The Charlotte Observer

by DJ Simmons, The Charlotte Observer

Kenny Robinson knows the value of a second chance.

After serving a 10-year federal sentence, the father of five struggled to find work. His experience led him to start his nonprofit Freedom Fighting Missionaries in 2020 to help other formerly incarcerated individuals.

It’s why he smiled and beamed with pride when he announced the names of the first 15 graduates of his nonprofit’s reentry program. Rain did not deter some 50 people from gathering last Thursday evening at Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte to see the graduates who gained employment and housing through the program.

“Those celebrated tonight are the trailblazers for many who will come behind them,” Robinson said. “They are the ones who sacrificed along with us.”

Robinson said the program aims to help formerly incarcerated people become self sufficient. This includes connecting them with housing and employment, he said. But it takes an exercise in trust for participants to believe in the budding program, he said.

Categories: Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, The Charlotte Observer

Tags: affordable housing