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About Faith Youth Services

It's crucial to recognize that at-risk youth have challenges that can vary based on individual circumstances. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and holistic approach, including targeted interventions, support systems, mentorship programs, education, job training opportunities, mental health services and policies that address the underlying issues contributing to their vulnerability.

Our Focus

As a nonprofit organization, our focus is on serving children who have faced challenging situations, including those who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. We provide them with the tools and knowledge to learn and develop into self-sufficient members of society.

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What We Provide

Faith Youth Services provides positive mentorship that fosters personal development, growth, and well-being. We do this through constructive guidance, mutual respect, and a commitment to our mentee & success. By role-modeling we guide and encourage youth to create and work
towards achievable goals, identify areas of improvement, acquire new skills and build up the
skills and strengths they already have.

Meet Our Team

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Mr. Cresencio “Chris” 

CEO

Chris Davis, a Certified Resilience Coach, is dedicated to serving and advocating for youth in various capacities. As an ordained minister, Guardian Ad Litem, and YAP Youth Advocate Program Mentor, he provides invaluable support and guidance to young individuals residing in group homes and shelters. Chris's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Theology with a minor in Counseling, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to address the holistic needs of youth. Chris's advocacy efforts extend beyond his mentoring roles as he actively engages with youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice and the public school system. By collaborating with courts, caseworkers, and parents, he ensures comprehensive support for youth success, addressing both their immediate needs and long-term goals. Chris's leadership roles, such as serving as Education Coordinator and Family Liaison for the Arts Conservatory for Teens under President Obama's inaugural 'My Brother's and Sister's Keepers' initiative, exemplify his commitment to educational equity and youth empowerment. Through these initiatives, he has fostered partnerships with community professionals and leaders who share his vision for youth development and community improvement. Chris' tireless dedication and collaborative approach underscore his role as a champion for youth, their families, and communities, striving to create a brighter future for the next generation.

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Mr. Matthew “Scrappy” Harris

MENTOR

Matt is a dedicated St. Petersburg native who wears many hats in his efforts to support and uplift at-risk youth. As an ordained minister and YAP (Youth Advocate Program) Youth Advocate, he serves as a mentor, providing guidance and support to young individuals facing challenges in their lives. Matt's commitment extends beyond traditional mentorship as he actively engages with youth in schools and juvenile detention facilities, imparting valuable life skills and empowering them to navigate life's obstacles. In addition to his mentoring and advocacy work, Matt shares his passion for music and faith to inspire young people. Through his performances of gospel and Christian Hip Hop music, he creates meaningful connections and spreads messages of hope and positivity. Whether he's on stage or behind the pulpit at Worship City Church in Holiday, FL, Matt's goal is to uplift and encourage young individuals, guiding them towards a path of resilience, empowerment and spiritual growth.

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Mr. Athian “Ronnie” Early

MENTOR

Ronnie Early is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background in education, emergency medical services, and community leadership. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education from Bethune-Cookman University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, Ronnie demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence and professional growth. In addition to his educational achievements, Ronnie is a certified EMT and a graduate of the Fire Academy from Hillsborough Community College, highlighting his dedication to public service and emergency response. Currently, Ronnie serves as a supervisor with TASCO Center-Based Teen Programs, where he ensures that all 11 recreation centers meet and exceed standards and expectations. His role as a supervisor involves meticulous planning and organization, as he coordinates disguised learning opportunities for camp participants through overlays, field trips, community service activities and other events. Ronnie's leadership extends beyond his role at TASCO, as evidenced by his tenure as coordinator of the Mayor's Youth Congress. In this capacity, he collaborates with teen representatives from each recreation center and the current Mayor to provide academic support and enrichment opportunities for program participants. With a background as an Intervention Behavior Specialist and Dean of Students, Ronnie has extensive experience in developing behavior management strategies and facilitating interventions such as peer mediations, social skills lessons and anger management counseling. Ronnie's commitment to community engagement and youth development is further demonstrated through his roles as Onsite Director of the "5,000 Role Models of Excellence" program and his support of the National Trust for the Development of African American Males. In these capacities, he coordinates mentorship programs, guest speaker events, and college road trips to empower young people and promote academic and personal success. Ronnie's passion for working with at-risk youth is evident in his involvement with Faith Youth Services, where he serves as a mentor, providing guidance, support, and inspiration to young individuals facing challenges. His multifaceted background, leadership skills, and dedication to youth empowerment make him a valuable asset to the community and a catalyst for positive change.

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Mr. Chad Ally

MENTOR

Chad is a driven individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering young people in St. Petersburg. With a BBA in Business Analytics and Information Systems from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, he brings both academic knowledge and practical skills to his endeavors. Chad's dedication to mentoring is evident through his extensive contribution of over 1,000 hours towards guiding and supporting young individuals. By creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, he has facilitated academic improvement while also helping to deter risky behaviors among youth. Chad's work with at-risk and high-risk youth, as well as their families, underscores his holistic approach to mentorship. By focusing on improving interpersonal relationships, he seeks to address underlying issues and promote positive social interactions within the community. Chad's efforts exemplify a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young people, fostering growth, resilience and opportunity.

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Tristan Huggins, Mentor

MENTOR

Tristan has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies Minors: Sports Management, Business, Entrepreneurship from Ohio Christian University.Tristan has been a Health Coach and After-school coordinator in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, he has been an Associate Dean of Students, implementing programs to promote positive school behavior and motivate students and performed duties as a family and community liaison. As a mentor, Tristan’s passion lies in his desire to share his knowledge and experience, and be a positive role model for young people to help them to navigate life’s challenges and empower them to achieve their goals.

  • Mr. Cresencio “Chris” Davis, CEO
    Chris Davis, a Certified Resilience Coach, is dedicated to serving and advocating for youth in various capacities. As an ordained minister, Guardian Ad Litem, and YAP Youth Advocate Program Mentor, he provides invaluable support and guidance to young individuals residing in group homes and shelters. Chris's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Theology with a minor in Counseling, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to address the holistic needs of youth. Chris's advocacy efforts extend beyond his mentoring roles as he actively engages with youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice and the public school system. By collaborating with courts, caseworkers, and parents, he ensures comprehensive support for youth success, addressing both their immediate needs and long-term goals. Chris's leadership roles, such as serving as Education Coordinator and Family Liaison for the Arts Conservatory for Teens under President Obama's inaugural 'My Brother's and Sister's Keepers' initiative, exemplify his commitment to educational equity and youth empowerment. Through these initiatives, he has fostered partnerships with community professionals and leaders who share his vision for youth development and community improvement. Chris' tireless dedication and collaborative approach underscore his role as a champion for youth, their families, and communities, striving to create a brighter future for the next generation.
  • James Oliver, Chairman
    James Oliver is the 2016 recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award presented by the Florida Education Association at their annual Human and Civil Rights Awards Luncheon. He was honored for 33 years as a stellar educator in Pinellas County Schools, and for developing several innovative programs that have been utilized throughout the county. Oliver’s first introduction to children’s programs was when he tagged along to Campbell Park with his recreational-leader father - a former baseball team member with the Indianapolis Clowns Negro League. James graduated in 1958 from Gibbs High School and then attended Morehouse College in Atlanta. He credits that institution with molding his vision and shaping his life forever. In 1963, James Oliver began his teaching career at the 16th Street Junior High School, which is now known as John Hopkins Middle School and ended his career in 1996 at Harris Tips Teen Parent Program. He has founded several programs that addressed the educational and emotional needs of students designed to build self-esteem, communication skills, refusing drugs, reducing drop-out rates and making informed decisions. In addition, Mr. Oliver introduced his students to classical music, art, gold, tennis and other enrichment activities to broaden their horizons. Today, Mr. Oliver continues to mentor students, educators and community mentors.
  • Beverly Burnett, Vice Chair
    As Vice-Chair Beverly assists the Chair in planning and enforcing the policies and objectives of Faith Youth Services. Beverly has more than 15 years of experience in program management, Beverly is a wise counsel to the Chair.
  • Godfrey Watson, Director
    Godfrey Watson is the administrator of Lakewood Community School (formerly Tom linson Adult Learning Center), providing opportunities for adults to earn their GED, students who are in need of credit recovery to help them get back on track with their high school diplomas and classes for students whose first language is not English. As Director, Mr. Watson’s goal is to ensure the mission, vision goals and operations of Faith Youth Services are well run.
  • Jennifer Volpe, Education Director
    Jennifer Volpe an educator and coach currently working at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. In her role, Jennifer provides valuable guidance on programs and strategies for mentoring the youth in Faith Youth Services’ programs.
  • Mr. Kenny Ally, Finance Director/Treasurer
    Kenny Ally is Branch Manager with Regions Bank in St. Petersburg, FL. A Graduate of St. Petersburg College, Kenny holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Public Policy and Administration. His role as Finance Director/Treasurer is to work with other board officers to develop financial plans and prepare the organization’s budget, reviews the annual audit and tax forms, and presents the financial material to the board.
  • Mr. John Hunter, Director At Large
    John Hunter is co-owner of Suncoast Fitness in St. Petersburg, FL. John also is a Certified High Performance/Mindset Coach /Life Coach, Founder and CEO (with his wife) of Next Level Motivators, and book author. John’s role as a board member is to support Faith Youth Services mission and vision.
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