MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Groups across the city have been going before the City Council, seeking funding for the next fiscal year.
On Tuesday, it was Pastor Deandre Brown’s turn and what happened in that meeting was certainly unexpected.
Brown is the founder of Lifeline to Success, a program that helps ex-cons become productive members of society right here in Memphis.
He was prepared to go before the City Council and ask for $150,000; $50,000 more than what it was given last year.
In that year alone, the program served 170 people and graduated 26, but the program never ages out.
“We don’t have a program that has a specific amount of time, because we know if you’ve lived a life of crime, a specific amount of time to turn your life around is unfeasible. Because sometimes it takes longer, so we’ve had men and women in our program for five years, but they haven’t returned to crime,” explained Brown when asked about Lifeline to Success.
Learning to leave that life of crime can be costly, and that’s why they are asking for more funding.
Sitting before the council, Brown made his proposal and then waited for feedback.
Then came the surprise.
“I’d like to amend that motion,” said Council member Joe Brown. “For 100 thousand more dollars. People have got to realize what this organization does. Get it on the floor. Let’s go from there. I’ll second it.”
Pastor Brown was visibly moved by the push to give Lifeline to Success $200,000 in funding, but the move speaks to how the program changes the lives of everyone involved for the better.
