ABOUT US
I was born and raised in the Light Oak community of Shelby, North Carolina—a neighborhood marked by tight-knit families, rich memories, and deep spiritual roots. Light Oak is a lower-middle-income community that has long faced economic hardship, generational poverty, and limited access to opportunity. But even in the struggle, there was strength. There was something sacred about the resilience of our people.
After graduating from UNC-Greensboro, I made a decision that would shape the rest of my life: I came back home. At just 21 years old, I planted Faith Harvest Church in the heart of the Eastside Community—a place that, like Light Oak, carries both the burden
of generational challenge and the blessing of cultural richness. Thirty-six years later, I'm still here, still serving, still believing that transformation is possible.
The Eastside community, where Jefferson Park stands as a community anchor, has seen many efforts come and go. I've watched countless well-meaning organizations launch programs full of promise—only to fade away due to a lack of funding, lack of vision, or lack of committed personnel. All the while, this side of town has remained underserved, even though it’s full of potential. It’s also home to both the men's and
women’s homeless shelters—just down the street from the church. The need is undeniable. But so is the opportunity. That’s why we launched the Expanding Borders Charitable Foundation. I wanted to ensure that communities like Light Oak and Eastside wouldn’t be
overlooked. I wanted to create a pipeline of possibility—where young people have access to mentors, where families can access educational tools, where leaders can be developed, and where hope could be restored not just spiritually, but practically.
Expanding Borders exists to give this side of town the same level of care, opportunity, and excellence that’s often reserved for more affluent areas. We believe every zip code deserves investment. Every child deserves a chance. Every community deserves a future.
This isn’t just about charity. It’s about equity. It’s about legacy. And it’s deeply personal.
Community Development
We see a future where the communities we serve are not defined by their current struggles
but by their potential and their aspirations. Our programs are pillars of support, from
revitalizing neighborhoods to improving quality of life by providing accessible healthcare,
educational opportunities, and safe housing. We strive to be the hands that build stronger,
self-sustaining communities, driven by the values of cooperation, dignity, and progress.
Youth Services and Development
Our vision extends to creating a nurturing environment for the younger generation, where
they are recognized as more than at-risk youth but as & youth of promise. Through
mentorship, education, sports, and arts programs, we aim to unlock their potential, giving
them the tools to not only overcome their circumstances but to flourish. We seek to
transform dreams into tangible goals, leading to a cycle of positive influence on peer groups
and their community.
Homeless Ministries
With faith and compassion at the forefront, we aim to alter the narrative of homelessness.
Our ministries will be sanctuaries for the homeless, offering more than meals and shelter,
but affirming their human dignity and providing them with spiritual, emotional, and
psychological support. Our comprehensive approach is designed to help them reintegrate
into society as active, contributing members, restoring not just their self-esteem but their
faith in a better future.
Entrepreneurship Incubators
Recognizing the enterprising spirit as a vehicle for profound change, we envision a
community where every aspiring entrepreneur, regardless of their background, has access
to the resources needed to succeed. From training workshops to funding initiatives, we are
committed to being the catalyst for innovation and economic growth, driving communal
prosperity, and creating job opportunities. By supporting local entrepreneurial endeavors,
we are not just launching businesses; we are nurturing dreams and investing in the
community’s future.
Speaker’s Bureau
In our pursuit of a visionary future, EBCF envisions the establishment of a dynamic
Speaker’s Bureau, meticulously crafted to serve as a robust platform. This platform will be
dedicated to hosting and introducing inspirational and motivational speakers, each
possessing the unique ability to empower entrepreneurs, new parents, youth, young adults,
millennials, and members of our vibrant community. Through the Speaker’s Bureau, we
aspire to ignite the spark of inspiration, fostering personal growth, innovation, and positive
change among our diverse audience.
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