Curt Williams:
Executive Director |
He returned to secular work, but never again to the sinful lifestyle that had so damaged his heart and mind. Unable to escape the images of the kids he had seen in Houston's Montrose district, he returned carrying the hope of the Gospel in late 1984. In June of 1985 Curt took the very first kid into his home and soon began to search for a suitable program for kids that had little support and no real resources. His search proved futile so he continued to take them into his home and in November of 1985 he was given the use of a home in east Houston where he moved the kids that were in his care. Soon, the Lord began to bring in staff members, the much-needed funding, and men and women to serve on the board.
For five years Curt directed the ministry of The Refuge that was located on lower Westheimer in the Montrose area. There the Youth-Reach staff and volunteers fed seventy-five to one hundred homeless street kids each night. This location served as the first point of contact where young people first heard of the opportunities that were available at Youth-Reach's residential homes.
In 1991 Youth-Reach Houston moved to the present location in northeast Harris County. After several years, the adjoining homes and properties were purchased and the program's capacity grew. In 2003 Curt met with a group of ministers and local officials from the Baldwin County, Alabama area to investigate the possibility of founding a Youth-Reach program in their area. Soon, the decision was made to enter into a franchise agreement with this group and Youth-Reach Gulf Coast was born. At the date of this writing the homes and support facilities for this new program are under construction on 81 rural acres south of I-10 in coastal Alabama.
Curt regularly shares the story of Youth-Reach at churches, civic groups and tours interested groups through our homes. He also speaks often to youth groups, at church camps, and to school groups. His vision is to see Youth-Reach programs established regionally throughout our nation. He presently serves as the Executive Director over both the Houston and Alabama programs.
Curt was licensed as a minister in 1985 and was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1987. He served as chaplain of RAPHA hospitals for five years. He is the principle writer behind the monthly Youth-Reach newsletters. For booking information you may e-mail Curt at curt@youth-reach.org.
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