We had the good fortune of connecting with James Kyles, Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own non-profit youth organization was to create a safe environment for young people to be mentored, develop social and life skills, empowered, and the ability to unlock their hidden potentials. When I started this, I knew that I would be putting my life on hold for the sake of this youth generation. I was committed to doing so! Starting a business can bring many pros and cons, risks that you may have to take, and other things to bring into consideration that often times can be overwhelming before you even start.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center, Inc., (DFGOYC), is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization developed as a solution to the need of youth empowerment programs within the Greater Atlanta(metro)area. Founded in 2010, DFGOYC provides mentoring programs and the necessary tools to assist the next generation with a place of safety to build character and development goals. DFGOYC programs and services are directed to at-risk, and non-at-risk youth to promote community empowerment, personal and professional development and social independence. 90% of our youth are raised in single parent households. Starting DFGOYC was not easy. It took a lot of prayer, strategy, counseling, but most of all a solid team who were able to assist in the beginning stages of the development of our organization by believing in the mission and cause. Working in the non-profit sector, many outsiders may be unaware of how greatly you care for the people you’re helping. Often times, you are sacrificing many things just to make sure that others are taken care of. You truly must have the HEART to serve, people to REACH, but most of all a community to IMPACT. Working in this field for almost 12 years, has taught me humility. It has also developed me as a strong African American male in this community for others to look up to. I have experienced many setbacks and have overcome many obstacles in trying to provide an excellent program for our community and families. The hardest part ever has been to see some of your own youth die due to either sickness, gun violence, or suicidal. You must be built for this! I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love what I do… SERVING is my passion!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first take my best friend to two of my favorite spots to eat at which one is the Stoney River Restaurant near the Cumberland Mall in Atlanta, GA. The other restaurants are located in the Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA. I would also enjoy a day at “Treat Your Feet” in Buckhead. This environment is very therapeutic with a massage on your feet and neck. After that, I would get dressed up and enjoy a night out in town experiencing great music, laughter, and dancing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d really like to thank God for his unmerited favor on my life and the youth organization. A special thanks goes to my parents, sisters, nephews, and my 3 Godchildren whom I love and cherish dearly. I’d also like to give a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to all of our volunteers, college mentors, youth mentees, the DFG families, the leadership team, community leaders & donors, and the board of directors who have been very instrumental to the success of Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center, Inc. Without all of them this would all be impossible and pointless. These individuals are the key players as movers and shakers in this industry. Many of our mentors are also current students from the following schools: Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta, Emory University, Clayton State University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and the University of Georgia. I am also appreciative for the staff from these Institutions.

Website: www.dfgyouth.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfgyouth

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center, Inc.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfgyouth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center, Inc.

Image Credits
Image Credits: dfgyouth(instagram)

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