Mr. Leroy Harvey is a native of Benton Harbor, Michigan and a 1992 graduate of Benton Harbor High School. He has a Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice and Master of Science Criminal Justice Administration both from Ferris State University. He is currently working on his certification in Child Development from Lake Michigan College and on his MBA from Western Michigan University.

Leroy is the Vice President on the Benton Harbor Area School Board, where he serves as the Chairman of the Instruction & Curriculum Committee, a member of the Band of Brethren in Christ, a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, former Vice-President of Citizens for Progressive Change, former Chairman of Recreation Committee for the Governor's Task Force in 2003, and former Benton Harbor City Commissioner where he served as the Chairman of the Public Safety/Recreation Committee.

When the opportunity to return home and make a difference presented itself, Mr. Harvey accepted the challenge, returning to Benton Harbor to serve in the capacity as an instructor, coach, mentor, counselor and intervention specialist all for the students of Benton Harbor Area Schools. Since that time, he worked and advanced through the juvenile justice system, school system, and now the non-profit arena.

Mr. Harvey's many accolades include establishing a 501C3 organization "First Chance Inc." that provide youth programs for students with a focus on academic support, youth development programs, enrichment activities, and family services in hopes to increase academic excellence and decrease low academic performance. He currently serves as the President & Chief Executive Officer for First Chance Inc.

Mr. Harvey believes that by providing children with an opportunity to explore and grow through after school enrichment programs we will ultimately began to produce children who are Leaders of Tomorrow that SOAR to high expectations of achievement.

He is the proud father of three handsome young men: Brandon Harvey, Damian Harvey, and Jordan Harvey. He is the husband to the lovely Anita Harvey.

Shelly Lacy is currently a Site Coordinator/Site Leader for First Chance Incorporated. Before coming to this organization she was pursuing her Associates Degree in Communications at Axia College, desiring a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources. With her current job duties and responsibilities she has grown to enjoy working with children and being an inspiration in lives of children. Shelly has since decided to restructure her career goals into the field of Education where she is currently taking classes at Lake Michigan College to begin making her dream a reality.

Shelly was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan and at the age of seven moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan where she graduated from high school, she now resides in Benton Harbor, Michigan with her family. Shelly is an adventurous, easy going, fun loving, energetic individual and when she is not working or attending classes, she enjoys spending time with her son Hananiah, daughter Alexandria, family and friends.

Mr. Leon B. Lloyd is a 2004 Graduate of Benton Harbor High School. While in high school he headed many of the student organizations. To name a few, he was Key Club President, National Student Honor Society member, and Drum Major for the Benton Harbor Tiger Marching Band. In the fall of 2003 he successfully started his own non-profit youth development team called Benton Harbor's Outreach Program which was called B*HOP for short. For two years, a team of his peers put together by Mr. Lloyd, went into the Elementary and Junior High Schools to assist teachers, give pep talks to troubled adolescents, and volunteered in the community by creating partnerships with other non-profit organizations. As a result of these efforts, he received many college scholarships, awards, and community recognition.

In the fall of 2008, Mr. Lloyd received his Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University in Business Administration. He became a certified reading tutor for Benton Harbor's Family Literacy Center, Motivational Speaker for ages 6+, and a United Way volunteer. During school, he became skilled in Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint). His work experience amplified other skills including inventory and budget managing, labor management, motivational skills and exceptional customer service abilities. Mr. Lloyd has been equipped with many essential skills, making him a positive asset to First Chance, Inc.

Imyn Burton is the proud child of Maurice and Jolita Burton and has one brother named Marcellus Burton. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going to the beach and reading. Ms. Burton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies. She also has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lake Michigan College.

Imyn has been working with children since the 7th grade and is currently a Site Coordinator/Site Leader within the organization. Working with children has inspired her to go back to school to get her teacher's certification, as well as earn a Master's Degree, so that she can have her own classroom or be a professor to equip children or adults with tools that will help them in their studies. Ms. Burton has made a great impact in other people's lives and strives to continue changing the lives of others.

Tia joined First Chance, Inc in September 2009 as the Site Coordinator/Site Leader. Tia brings 10 years of experience working among non-profit agencies. During her experiences she has held a variety of leadership positions, which allowed her to build skill sets in grant management, staff development, and community collaboration projects.

Tia has a Master's Degree in Educational Administration with a focus in Community Leadership and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Child Development and Sociology from Central Michigan University. Most of Tia's spare time is spent with her husband, son and dog. Tia and her husband are enjoying learning the ropes of parenthood. She also enjoys time with her family and friends.

Sharon Henderson currently works as a Site Coordinator/Site Leader with First Chance, Inc. In this role she oversees a team who works directly with children ages 5-11 years old, she and her team assist with homework, character building and recreational activities.

Sharon attended Eau Claire High School where she obtained her high school diploma and many other awards. She then went to Lake Michigan College where she earned an Associate Degree and is currently working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Professional Education. Sharon has spent 20 years working in the human services field. Her trademark sense of humor, empathetic nature and creativity has helped her increase her problem solving, leadership, and management skills which have contributed to the growth of both individuals and organizations throughout her working career. Sharon lives in Benton Harbor with her husband and three children; when not working Sharon enjoys sewing, cooking and jewelry making.

Sandra L. Davis graduated from Benton Harbor High School. She joined Citizens for Progressive Change Inc. in October 2005 as a Program Liaison / Coordinator. In May 2009 she started working for First Chance Inc. as a Site Coordinator/Site Leader.

Sandra worked for the Department of Human Services as a Program Assistant for Project Together, servicing disadvantaged adults. Sandra also worked for Benton Harbor Area Schools and Berrien County Juvenile Court as a Truancy Officer. She has 20 years of experience working with at risk youth and their families.

Sandra was born and raised in the city of Benton Harbor. She is number 5 of 12 children. She is the proud mother of two children: LaTasha and Aaron Jr. Sandra, enjoys church events and community service projects. Her hobbies include, decorating and gardening. What motivates her is to be a positive role model for youth and to make a positive difference in a child's life.

Melvin Pullen was born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Benton Harbor, MI, at an early age. Melvin attended Benton Harbor Area Schools and graduated from Benton Harbor High School. Melvin went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps. He attended Lake Michigan College; earning an Associate Degree in Human Services and later attended Spring Arbor University earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.

Melvin has spent the majority of his working life in community service occupations trying to make a positive difference in the lives of others especially youth. Melvin currently works for First Chance Inc. as a Site Coordinator / Site Leader, his current focus in this journey called life to help our children attain the "Brighter Future" which they all so truly deserve.

Melinda Turese Bowman was born in St. Joseph, Michigan to Bruce Bowman and Renee Hunt-Bowman. She was named after both, her maternal and paternal grandmothers. Melinda is the youngest of five children. One brother, Danum Danae; and 3 sisters, Monique, Sharlonda, and Natosha. She has always loved to be around people and put a smile on their face. Melinda excelled in school and decided at an early age that she wanted to work with young people and eventually became a math and reading tutor. She also worked as a site leader at the Freedom Program, an after school program assisting youth in academics as well as offering recreational activities.

Melinda attended the Benton Harbor High School and was involved in many extracurricular activities such as: an alto saxophonist in the Tiger Marching Band, a freshman cheerleader, a member of the Ivy Teens Sorority, and a member of Key Club. She graduated with the class of 1999 with a 3.5 grade point average. After receiving her high school diploma, she enrolled at Lake Michigan College and in May 2002 received an Associates in Arts degree, majoring in Early Childhood Education.

Melinda then began working as the office manager for Citizens for Progressive Change, a non-profit community development organization in the City of Benton Harbor, Michigan. She has more than six years of nonprofit office management experience. In July 2009, Citizens for Progressive Change Youth Department transitioned to First Chance, Inc., a youth development organization where she is currently working full time as a Site Coordinator/Site Leader.

In her spare time, Melinda loves to laugh, sing, shop, and spend time with her family and special friends. She is also gaining a love for traveling, reading and dancing. Melinda is currently enrolled at Siena Heights University, pursing a Bachelor's of Business Administration. She is excited about her future and is determined to follow and accomplish new dreams and aspirations, no matter how great!

Julius Poole is currently a Site Coordinator/Site Leader for First Chance Inc. and native of Benton Harbor, Michigan, but moved away from home to pursue higher education and experience life outside of home. Julius graduated from Ferris State University, which he received his Bachelors in Business/Human Resource Management. Julius has spent a majority of his professional working experience in mortgage lending within the Indianapolis area.

In 2008, Julius returned to Benton Harbor and is involved in working with the youth in the community. Julius primary focus is reconditioning the mindset of youth in a positive way in the community. Also, Julius is an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated which includes collaborative efforts with the organization involving various community service events.

Christopher Burton is the youngest sibling of Rev. Willie T. Burton and Josephine Burton. He was born in Berrien Center, Michigan and raised in the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan. He attended Coloma High School and received his diploma in 1990. He has two daughters Yasmin Burton and Carissa Burton, three step-children DeAndray Bickham, Idea Bickham and Jambrish Bickham and a loving wife Tatarona Holbrook-Burton.

He has an enriched background in sales. He was Director of sales for Quality Adhesives, Inc. for 10 years, but his passion is working with youth. He was employed as a Youth Specialist for the Berrien County Juvenile Center for 5 years. He is glad to be back in this field with First Chance, Inc. There is a great need for positive male role models that are visible and accessible to our youth other than the ones seen on television. This a great honor and pleasure for him to be working with positive people in a program designed to enrich our children lives for a positive, and successful future.

Anita Wright received Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps after serving for a four-year active duty term. Some years after, she decided that her heart was set upon teaching and working with children. She immediately enrolled at Lake Michigan College for two years and then transferred her credits to Western Michigan University where she graduated with honors. She was awarded a Bachelors of Science Degree with minors in Social Studies and Integrated Science. After teaching as a substitute teacher for Covert, South Haven, and Hartford Public Schools, Anita was hired at First Chance Inc. as a Site Coordinator for the after school program at Covert Public Schools.

Anita is happily married to her husband Mark, two kids, Haniyah and Martiece, and their little Yorkie, Ziggy. Anita loves to cook different ethnic foods such as: African, Indian, Asia, Creole, Mexican, and of course, Southern food. Anita also loves to read. The top three books on her must read list are: Cover Girls by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, and Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni. Anita is honored and excited about serving and giving back to the Covert and Benton Harbor Communities.