James Litkett. I first learned about Riverside Coming Home at a job fair in Jamaica, Queens for people returning from incarceration. During that time I was going through homelessness.... Life was dark, very dark. In my darkness, I still always tried to see how I can help others, and also help myself.
A year later, after being denied for other housing applications, I moved to 106th and West End Avenue and Hope, Coming Home Director, called me. I was very interested in coming to the Coming Home program because at that time I was using the Riverside Church for the food pantry, clothing and spiritual guidance. This gave me another reason to be here.
After becoming greatly involved with the program, I began to learn more and more about the church and the speakers that came here before me. I found that coming here strengthened me. From the program, I gained wisdom, knowledge and direction and an inspirational mentor who is helping me achieve my goals.
After graduating the program, I find that it’s motivating for me to still be in the building. The encouragement and inspiration that I gained is phenomenal. I’m the unofficial ambassador to the Coming Home program, helping out in any and every way that I can. I’m also involved with the Theatre of the Oppressed at Riverside Church, to add another layer to my voice. My writing is getting better and better. I am making connections that can help me further my writing dreams.
I recently joined The Riverside Church of New York so I can fulfill my mission to work my way back to prison to do lectures. I am allying myself with Pastor Amy to pursue this dream.
I believe that there is nothing I can’t do at this time. If not today, tomorrow.