MENDED

Growing up in the inner city of Syracuse was not particularly a walk in the park, but having 4 brothers and a sister really did help.  If you ask someone what they know about Syracuse, you would get answers like: “The orange men”, “The Carrier Dome”, or a common phrase, “It’s freezing there”.  All are true statements, however, the Syracuse I know is a bit different.  From a multitude of gangs on each side of town, to poverty stricken areas that resemble third world countries, to drug and substance abuse claiming families; this is the Syracuse I was brought up in.  Drugs, violence, and broken homes were things I witnessed on a daily basis while growing up.  I mentioned drug abuse being prevalent in the city but it hits a little different when someone close to you is included in that statistic. 

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Over the years, I realized that community has a tremendous impact on a person's development.  However, with every obstacle, there can be a way out. That out for me was sports and academics.  For some others, it might be something different.  I was not the smartest or the best athlete, but I had a drive to do better and connect with people who could help me along the way. I'm not saying I have all of the answers but I know that through the principles of T.A.L.C. we will encourage men to thrive in their given arenas.  We are all broken in some area, but be encouraged that brokenness is the prerequisite for mending! As a husband, father, Pastor, life coach, former division 1 athlete and coach I'm committed to walking with you not just through hardship but through triumph as well! 

 

- Coach Gage