A Moment That Changed Everything
The story behind Upward Bound Ministries — told by its founder.
What began on a street corner in Columbus, Georgia became a lifelong conviction: that every person deserves dignity, access, and a place to belong—especially in the house of God.
Where It All Began
President & CEO
Upward Bound Ministries, Inc.
Upward Bound Ministries, Inc. was born out of a simple but life-changing moment during my service in the U.S. Army in Columbus, Georgia.
Across the street from the church I attended lived a homeless man named Mr. Willie. Day after day, he remained outside while the church doors opened just steps away from him.
One day, I asked him if he had ever been inside the church. He said no. When I asked why, he replied, “Look at me… do you think they would let me in their church?”
That question stayed with me.
I brought Mr. Willie back to my apartment, gave him clothes from a thrift store, and helped him clean up. That night, he walked into the watch night service—not as someone forgotten, but as someone welcomed.
That moment changed everything.
Born From Conviction
Upward Bound Ministries, Inc. exists because of that encounter. It was born from a conviction that every person deserves dignity, access, and a place to belong—especially in the house of God.
That conviction has never wavered. It is the foundation on which every program, every outreach, and every act of service this organization undertakes is built.
Dignity
Every person carries inherent worth. Our mission begins with seeing and honoring that worth in each individual we serve, regardless of their circumstances.
Access
No door should be closed to someone in need. We work to remove barriers—physical, social, and spiritual—so that all people can receive care and community.
Belonging
Especially in the house of God, every person deserves a place to belong. We exist to build a community where no one is left standing outside.
One Encounter. One Ministry. One Mission.
From a single act of welcome on a Georgia street, a ministry was formed.
Mr. Willie’s question — “Do you think they would let me in their church?” — became the mission statement of Upward Bound Ministries before a single word was ever written down. It is a question we answer every day through our work, our outreach, and our commitment to the communities we serve.
Learn more about the mission and values that guide everything we do.