Meet The Founder
Hi, My Name is Eric Harris and I am the founder and President of the Broken Chain Foundation. Broken Chain has been a dream come true. My motto in life is, "To whom much is given, much is required". While we are not all called to be preachers we all have a Ministry and it is our responsibility to utilize those gifts to make a difference. By having implemented the seven keys to success in my own life I have become truly blessed and Broken many of my own personal chains. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and how my life has lead me to this point. Three major factors in my life have lead to the formation of Broken Chain:
1. Personal Life Experience: Born and raised in Detroit. My neighborhood was not a pleasant place to grow up, but my mother did the best she could. Yet, all the love in the world could not shield me from the world outside my family's door. My first funeral wasn't of a family member or family friend, but of a classmate in elementary school who had been shot and his body placed in a dumpster. By the time I was in high school hearing of a schoolmates death became common place. I was border line, my life could have swayed either direction. I remember returning home one summer leading to my senior year of college. One of my childhood friends father was working in his yard. I stopped to say hello and during our conversation I told him I was entering my senior year of college and was on an Athletic Scholarship. He began to cry, he dropped his yard tools and hugged me as tears rolled down his face. It wasn't until I was a man that I understood his tears. My behaviors lead many in my community to believe I was destined for another institution. But like many young men and women today, I felt that I was forced to mold a part of me to fit the streets. While doing so, I possessed athletic talent and I vowed that if I could just survive, I would change my environment.
2. Education: I earned a athletic scholarship and moved out of Detroit, my environment had changed. Yet, what I found was that I still had chains that kept me from reaching my full potential. I recall my first night in my dorm room crying and asking God "why me and not some of the other guys in my old neighborhood?" I worked hard to accept the fact that I belonged, I deserved to be there. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. What I learned broadened my perspective on the problems that youth face from an educational point of view. I found it interesting; as my child hood had been a direct contrast to what my professors taught. They spoke of theories, poverty, the structural break down of the family unit. I thought it was weird to hear what I had actually experienced, being broken down in terms from an sociology point of view. Yet, I understood to truly be knowledgeable on anything in life you have to be able to learn others points of views. So I learned, and it would become a valuable tool as I entered the work force.
3. Professional Experience: I have acquired a vast amount of experience in my field and working with children. I have worked as a State Criminal Investigator, Juvenile Probation Officer, Program Director of a sexual offender unit for young men, Program Director of a group home for displaced young men and Ive coached youth football for 8 years.
You see my belief is that we all have chains, yes even as adults. Some call them addictions, habits or even behaviors. I challenge you to think of something in your life either now or at earlier point that you faced what you saw as a barrier, but for some reason you felt that it was out of your hands. I chose to call these so called obstacles chains, and each link represents a perceived barrier. What I quickly found out is that troubled youth come in all shapes, sizes, economical backgrounds and colors. Thats why I must state whole heartedly that Broken Chain is dedicated to our children and the community as a whole. Different situations cause different issues and we are willing to address all of our children's needs through hard work, dedication and love. My past has prepared me for this quest and I am willing to fight the battle. However, I can't do it alone. I have developed this program by using my life as a blueprint to create The Broken Chain Foundation.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our site, now I ask that you help me in my quest to change the world. Please go to our 'contact us' page and become involved either by making a donation or dedicating some of your time. Remember all you need to give is time, heart and unconditional love. The last time that I checked, these things are all free. Once again thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Eric C. Harris
Founder/CEO
