My Brief Story

Throughout my years of working with youth and their families, I have learned that many volunteers and mentors come in expecting young people to be calm, easy, and without academic or behavioral challenges. When they realize that many of these youth need real support, they begin to question their commitment, do they want to spend their time with youth who appear tohave no struggles, or with those who truly need help?

My own journey deepened this understanding. I became a single mother of three when my former husband of ten years decided that we were not part of his military retirement plan. At the time, I was eight and a half months pregnant, raising two daughters, and fighting for child support. In the years that followed, God turned our home into a foster care home for over ten years. I welcomed young people who had experienced rejection, abandonment, discouragement, mental and physical abuse many of whom had been told they were not worthy or would never amount to anything, just as educators had once said about my own children.

When I sought help, I was advised by a clergy member and an assistant principal to place my children in juvenile detention. My response was simple: “These are my children.” I refused to give up on them. I find it heartbreaking that the same patterns continue today. Too often, society chooses to give up on struggling youth instead of fighting for their potential. Yes, some parents contribute to the challenges but many are also trying, hurting, settling, and in need of support.

This is why Greater Life of Fayetteville exists. Our mission is to provide intervention and prevention services for at-risk youth and their families by offering academic support, mentoring, life skills development, and faith-based guidance that empowers young people to overcome barriers, build character, and discover their purpose.

I plead with you, prospective volunteers and mentors: “do not give up on our children”. Stand with us. Share your insight and wisdom. Help us increase awareness, restore hope, and create real opportunities for both children and their families.

Georgeanna Pinckney

Mother. Grandmother. Auntie.

Executive Director, Greater Life of Fayetteville

Trust in God