So K, I wanted to write your story personally because I wanted to represent who you are, your dreams your strength as a man and a father well.  SO I wont quote you I just want to transcribe what you tell me and present it to the readers is that ok?

K-“Yes”
” So I was born in west Baltimore, in Sandtown actually, my mother got high all my life, she left when I was 14 me and my brothers and didn’t contact me until she got locked up three years ago.  She comes home in two years and nine months.  I really never had any guidance, all my anger comes from my family thinking they know me and they don’t.  I really do have a good heart. I will help anybody and I love my daughter.  I wanted to play basketball until my best friend got shot right by y’all building for real and then after he died I just gave up.  Sandtown really isn’t a bad place, it’s just people trying to make it and it becomes real tough when we are all fighting for the same bone.

K-“Ms. J, why do you even talk to me and help me like this, lol its crazy because you will find me to check on me and Peanut everyday?”

Ms. Jones-Because I love you, lol.  The truth is we all need someone to listen to not try and make sense of a situation we know nothing about.  Someone to trust and really help you to define what LOVE looks like.  Plus I get to see Peanut (his now 1 year old precious daughter), lol.

K-” lol, Ms. Jones as soon as you pull up they call me and say she’s looking for you, lol you don’t play.  But I see what you’re trying to do.  If you can save one life then you have done your job.  Before you started coming around I would always say I didn’t have anyone but my daughter.  I really see what your doing and I appreciate you for real Ms. Jones.

Ms. Jones-“SO guess what Not as much as I appreciate you”

K-” Ms. Jones did you know I almost passed my GED test I left because my daughters mother kept getting locked up and I had to watch my baby but I’m really smart.  I’m gonna take classes at the building then I want to go to College. Its hard staying focused with so much on my plate, being a father is hard. I do this all by myself.  Plus, I have sickle cell, she doesn’t have it, she has the trait so she stays sick a lot.  I wouldn’t have stopped smoking if you didn’t tell me what it was doing to my lungs and hers.  But once I finish college I really want to help like young kids not get caught up.  Do you know if I would have met you when I was younger I would probably be good right now like really look at you like a mother, lol. You are tough but I know why.

Ms. Jones-Listen young or old my job is to create a lane where all your dreams become achievable with hard work of course. I call all of you my babies and I mean that. So I got you!!

K- “Oh I know, you haven’t let me down yet, so who is gonna read this”?

Ms. Jones-” People who are so interested in your story, stories about Sandtown, my job is to inform to hopefully ignite support.  With your help people now know a little more about who you are, what exists here.

K-“Ok, well make sure you tell them I’m gonna be something I’m not just on the street for nothing.  I’m taking care of my daughter.

Ms. Jones-” Guess what, you just did!  I love you so much K, now lets go get some food”

K-“lol ok”

Please join us in praying for Kennel and the precious people of Sandtown.