It wasn’t that long ago that Robert Gwyn was sitting behind bars serving a lengthy prison sentence, and he now wants to keep others from taking the same path.
“When I was younger, I was getting into trouble,” recalled Gwyn, who was born and raised in Mount Airy and is now 44.
As an older and wiser man, he has mounted efforts to do just the opposite and prevent crime since his release in April 2023, through his forming of a non-profit group.
It is called the Children Hoping to Regain Internal Stability and Truth (CHRIST) foundation, geared toward youths 18 and younger.
Gywn is the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization, for which he is listed as a state-certified peer support specialist.
Its mission involves giving young people another direction to go in besides drugs and crime.
That was a trap Robert Gwyn admits he fell into at a time when he was not as focused as now on wanting to play a positive role in the community.
He was convicted on charges of armed robbery and attempted first-degree murder more than 20 years ago.
Gwyn drew a 75-year sentence with 50 years suspended, and served 23 years before his 2023 release.
He now is gainfully employed and otherwise trying to make a difference through his launching of the foundation.
"It's a passion," Gwyn said, "a calling."
“Everything is certified in the state of North Carolina,” he said of the non-profit operation.
Special activities
One way in which the Children Hoping to Regain Internal Stability and Truth is reaching out to its target audience is through a regular event.
The group has been holding an Overcomers Youth Night series at the old Jones School gymnasium at 215 Jones School Road.
These events are scheduled on the third Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., offering activities such as basketball and other games, food, open-microphone sessions and arts/crafts, which are free for participants.
In addition to the fun aspect, mentors are available during the Overcomers Youth Night gatherings.
“So if kids need to talk to them,” Gwyn said of that availability, whether it be about problems they are having or other topics.
And what the youths say remains confidential, he assured.
Eric Spencer has been involved in the Overcomers Youth Night effort along with Gwyn.
The foundation also will have a presence during Mount Airy’s Juneteenth celebration this coming week.
This will include a kickoff event next Friday at the old Jones School from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring face painting, music and more.
The African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Surry County is the host for that event.
Gwyn’s organization further will be represented when the Juneteenth celebration continues in the Market Street Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Mount Airy the next day, June 22.
Festivities are planned there from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., including a table to be manned by the Children Hoping to Regain Internal Stability and Truth foundation.
Items including artwork, water and baked goods will be offered for sale to raise money for supporting the efforts of the new group in reaching local youths.
So far it has been running on out-of-pocket funding and monetary contributions here and there, according to Gwyn.
“The other day we received a donation of $100.”
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