Paul

Paul watched his Dad succumb to alcoholism and drugs addiction and his Mom to grief. He moved out when he was 18, living on friends' couches and on the street when there were no couches. A mentor named Benjy Houssan took Paul under his wing and got him connected to a Muslim community that helped him design his future. Because of Benjy, Paul has always wanted to pay it forward. He finished his GED with help from his Muslim community, and at the age of 21, Paul enrolled in a state college seeking a degree in Community Organizing, which he achieved at the age of 25. He was offered a chance to work in the local government offices as a community organizer, and after a few years experience developing a community program to help young men overcome early life challenges, Paul took an opportunity to move to New York City and work toward an advanced degree in Community Organization and Political Science. At the age of 32, Paul completed his degree and moved to Harlem to begin putting his studies into practice. At age 35, Paul runs an Urban Retreat Center specifically for young men and young women who are drifting in their care for themselves because of early life challenges. He also runs a twice-yearly Apprenticeship Program at the end of which graduates receive a $15,000 scholarship to continue on to college in pursuit of their dreams.

Paul is 35 years old. He is a man. He is Muslim, in the Nation of Islam sect. He maintains a scruffy-clean appearance. He dresses professionally and neatly.

Charming, Clever, Energetic, Straight-Forward, Principled