Ronald Stebenne

In 2010, I was 62 years old and homeless, living in a windowless storage closet of my company warehouse. The company I had founded to sell eco-friendly skateboards was not yet turning a profit, and when the economy crashed in 2008, I was downsized from my second job as a youth pastor in San Diego.

That’€™s when I left San Diego for Kennesaw, Georgia, where my sister lived. It was one of the most difficult decisions in my life, but it proved to be the right move. I had 30 years of experience working with sports – especially action sports -€” and in youth ministry, nonprofits and business. After six months, I was able to find work as a consultant helping to build a $1.8 million public skate park.

Seeking corporate sponsors for the skate park project, I was introduced to the idea of crowdfunding. Since I knew many other community projects never saw the light of day because of lack of money. I created an online platform to support community-oriented campaigns. In less than a year we partially or fully funded 30 good causes for over $30,000 collectively.

Today, I have, in a sense, come full circle, with a position that connects my entrepreneurial skills with my experience with homelessness. I joined The Center for Children & Young Adults (CCYA), an organization is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment with comprehensive services for homeless youth and young adults who have been abused, abandoned, neglected, or are at risk. As Life Skills Education Manager, I am responsible for connecting our youth with job/career opportunities, and, life skills training and mentoring. I am always on the lookout for strategic partnerships with for-profit entities, media, celebrities/athletes, other nonprofits including the faith community, and individuals that want to make a difference in the lives of foster youth.