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 nonprofit group.
It is called the Children Hoping to Regain Instability and Truth foundation, geared toward youth ages 18 and younger.
Gywn is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit 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 Gwyn acknowledges he fell into at a time when he was not as focused as he is 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 he 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.”
Special activities
One way in which the foundation 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 in Mount Airy. 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 and 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 youth say remains confidential, he assured.
Eric Spencer has been involved in the Overcomers Youth Night effort along with Gwyn.
The foundation also had a presence during Mount Airy’s Juneteenth celebration this year. This included a kickoff event at the old Jones School that featured face painting, music and more.
The African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Surry County was the host for that event.
Gwyn’s organization further was represented when the Juneteenth celebration continued in the Market Street Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Mount Airy the following day on June 22.
Festivities on that day included a table to be manned by the Children Hoping to Regain Instability and Truth foundation.
Items including artwork, water and baked goods were offered for sale to raise money for supporting the efforts of the new group in reaching local youth.
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,” he said.
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