From Prison to Homeowner
“My aunt always says, ‘I don’t know how you made it, Preston.’” And honestly, neither do most people who hear Preston’s story. The odds were stacked against him at every turn, choices that could have defined his life, circumstances that could have ended it. The fact that Preston is here today isn’t just unlikely; it’s extraordinary. It’s a testament to resilience, to grace, and to a transformation that goes far beyond survival. Today, he’s not just making it; he’s empowered, taking next steps in faith, stewarding his finances, and building a life that once felt completely out of reach.
The Road Before the Rise
Imagine growing up surrounded by addiction. The people you are supposed to trust and rely on can’t be counted on. Family dinners and bedtime routines are traded for loneliness, insecurity, and heartbreak. Instability is the norm, and before long, it starts shaping your own choices, because it’s what you learned and what you know. And unfortunately, that’s what happened in Preston’s life.
“I was raised by somebody addicted to alcohol and people dependent on other people, just really bad situations. I just learned where I learned, and I ended up in the wrong places.”
Moment of Transformation
Unfortunately, Preston’s decisions ultimately resulted in numerous periods of incarceration. By 2019, Preston had served three years in prison. While he was in prison, something shifted. He started reading the Bible, and asked God to help him change. God answered, not all at once, but steadily. For the first time, Preston didn’t just want to get out. He wanted to change. But starting over was overwhelming.
That’s when he arrived at Forgiven Felons, a Christian transitional home, and heard about something that sounded unrealistic: an initiative through Watermark Community Development Corporation named Financial Catalyst. Financial Catalyst is an initiative that teaches financial education and helps people purchase a car, go to college, start a business, or even own a home.
From where Preston stood, that kind of opportunity didn’t feel like it belonged to him.
But he said yes anyway.
He entered a room filled with men from different walks of life, some who shared his past, others who didn’t, and for the first time, he wasn’t met with judgment, but with grace and understanding. He was met with consistency, accountability, and people who showed up.
No One Does This Alone
Justin, a volunteer with Financial Catalyst and Preston’s ally, said, “Preston was in my first group at Financial Catalyst, and he was one of the most faithful attendees.”
“I wasn’t used to hanging out with people like Justin,” said Preston, “… people that had never been to prison, never been in trouble. It was encouraging because he had open arms. He just wanted to teach me, or be my friend, or my brother.”
Imagine never having anyone you could rely on and then having someone who chose to walk with you, not because they have to, but because they want to. In that space, Preston began learning things he had never been taught, such as budgeting, preparing to buy a home, and being intentional with his money. But more than that, he was surrounded by people who believed change was possible, even while he was still learning to believe it himself.
So, he set a goal to buy a house. Even though that dream felt distant and impossible, Preston stayed consistent. Month by month, Preston remained committed to saving and attending Financial Catalyst classes, steadily growing in both his faith and empowerment, as he developed the discipline, knowledge, and confidence to build a more stable future.
God at Work
When he reached his savings goal and had completed all classes, he met a loan consultant with Loan Depot named Kevin Grainer. Kevin had recently begun to feel God calling him to get involved in “kingdom work”.
When Preston shared with Kevin that “this organization [Watermark Community Development Corporation] he was involved with was going to match his savings up to a certain amount to help him buy a home,” Kevin said, he was “intrigued and had to get involved.” And did he ever!
Kevin worked with Preston to improve his credit score and leveraged grants to help with Preston’s down payment, and in July 2021, Preston was handed the keys to his home.
Kevin now volunteers with Financial Catalyst as an asset advisor and shares, “I couldn’t believe that God brought a kingdom opportunity into my life so perfect for me, using my gifts and talents. What I’ve learned after volunteering for five years is that if you commit yourself to this program, it will change your life.”
More than a Home
When Preston walked into his new home, it didn’t seem like just a house; it seemed like a completely different life. For someone who once believed he came “from the lowest of the low,” that moment was more than a milestone. It was proof that his story wasn’t finished. It was proof that stories could be rewritten and dreams could come true.
Currently, over 200 people are ready and waiting for Financial Catalyst—but without additional funding, they won’t get the opportunity. Your support can change that. Help us expand access, remove barriers, and ensure every person ready for transformation gets their chance.