Leon was born in Independence, LA, and was raised on a plantation in Blairstown, LA by his great aunt. He entered the U.S. Army in 1981 and served until July 2003, when he retired to North Carolina. Leon worked for NC Works Career Center for fourteen years. Leon worked as Workforce Investment Act Case Manager, Veterans Employment Representative, Ex Offender Specialist, Employer Relations Specialist, and served on the Central Carolina Community College Continuing Education Skill Development team member. Leon decided to go back to school and earn his second bachelor’s degree, this time in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse. Leon currently works as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Sanford, NC.
Leon retired from the Army and began working for the State of N.C. It was there that God birthed Project Point Five in Leon. Everyday Leon encountered men that were wounded, incomplete, and missing pieces that would allow them to flourish.
His heart felt a tug for an underserved population of male ex-offenders. Leon started a pilot program meeting Friday night from 6 to 8 to meet with men in need. From 2009 to 2013 over 419 ex-offenders met, 133 meetings were held, with very positive results: 73 men entered employment, 11 men entered training, 5 men obtained training credentials, and 2 became entrepreneurs.
1 Thessalonians 5: 14 – 15 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them who are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient to all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” King James Version.
Leon discovered through this program that not only men, but young men needed services. Project Point Five. Point Five stands for (.5 + .5 =1 the whole) no longer missing and broken but rather whole. Changing our Community One at a Time – Establishing a Firm Foundation, Stability, Character, and Knowledge.
Leon has served on the Project Safe Neighborhood Committee, Johnson-Lee-Harnett Community Action Committee, Disabled American Veterans Adjutant, Harnett County Veterans Treatment Court as a Mentor, National Night Out participant, and Western Harnett Lions.
We are a registered non profit 501 (c) 3.