Timothy Carter was in foster homes his entire childhood and served time in prison. A former drug addict, Carter says he made a plea with God on his near deathbed, “If you will let me live, I will serve you.”
Kerny Bennett served over 2 years in prison and also comes from a father absent home. Now in business school, Bennett runs Little Caesar’s Pizza.
John Gallman is a candidate for S.C. 33 Senate. Gallman believes serving his community is paramount.
These three men made it their mission to get Easter Baskets and pizza today to the children of Seacoast Youth Academy. Seacoast is a level 3 DSS facility. The academy is a home for at-risk youth.
Making a difference
The national statistics and their own personal life stories created purpose in these three men. While Gallman did not come from a broken home, his work in the local community made him a champion for the cause. Gallman is also an advocate for S.C. Judicial reform.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.7 million children, more than 1 in 4, live without a father in the home.
Statistics
- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census) – 5 times the average.
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.
- 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control)
- 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26)
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)
10 million American children haven’t seen their father in over a year.
Said John Gallman, “We have an epidemic in our country of children that are hurting. Children deprived, for a variety of reasons, from having a relationship with both parents.”
Gallman added, “I have made it my mission to bring hope to children in desperate need by serving them right where they are and by visiting in our jails.”
Kerney Bennett said, “I’m just glad John Gallman saw the good in me. Everyone deserves a second chance and everyone needs someone to believe in them.”