From Prison to Purpose: DeAndre Brown's Inspiring Journey
Local & National News | October 21, 2024
Local & National News | October 21, 2024
Written by: JR Robinson
DeAndre Brown's life story is a testament to the power of resilience, redemption, and community service. Once a career criminal, Brown transformed his life and now dedicates himself to helping others overcome similar challenges.
A Troubled Past
Growing up between inner-city Memphis and rural Arkansas, DeAndre Brown showed early promise as a gifted student. He spent two years on a pre-med track at Rhodes College before being lured by the allure of "easy money" in criminal activities. This path eventually led to nearly two years in prison, a turning point that would reshape his entire life.
The Road to Redemption
During his time in prison, Brown discovered his Christian faith and became known as a "jailhouse preacher." He also learned valuable skills in landscaping. Upon release, Brown attempted to rebuild his life legitimately, but faced setbacks due to his criminal record. He returned to the cleaning business, but his past soon caught up with him. Leaders at the area hospital where he had a cleaning contract asked him to act as a volunteer chaplain, but when their routine background check turned up his felony, they hired his crew away and terminated his contract.
This experience was devastating, but it also led Brown to start connecting the dots—connecting his passion for preaching with a community of ex-offenders in need of re-entry support, and connecting his janitorial and landscaping endeavors with those ex-offenders looking for work.
The Birth of Lifeline to Success
Lifeline to Success was born when DeAndre Brown and his wife Vinessa realized they could use his experience to help others. It began as a small initiative with six ex-offenders meeting twice a week for a class on re-entry. Today, Lifeline enrolls, trains, and employs 41 ex-offenders. In addition to transforming themselves, they are working to solve some of the biggest problems facing Memphis—crime, blight, violence, joblessness, and other aspects of what DeAndre calls "criminal culture."
Transforming Lives and Communities
DeAndre Brown serves as the Executive Director of Lifeline to Success and pastor of Lifeline to A Dying World Ministries. His organization works tirelessly to address the pressing issues in Memphis. Brown's approach goes beyond just providing jobs; it's about transforming the "criminal culture" and offering hope to those who need it most.
Join Us for an Inspiring Event
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at noon, Director DeAndre Brown will share his compelling story at the Dwelling Place, located at 3034 Old Austin Peay Highway, Memphis, TN 38128. This District 6 InfoHUB Event Spotlight is open to all, especially those who have faced adversity and are seeking a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
Event Details:
Don't miss this opportunity to experience the transformative power of resilience and hope. DeAndre Brown's journey from prisoner to pastor is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change your life and make a positive impact on your community.
#FORTHEPEOPLE #District6 #HopeAndResilience
160 N. Main Street Suite 600 Memphis, TN 38013 · (901) 222-1000
