Laurie Redmond was born and raised in New York City. She worked in the Post Office for 6 years and with the Transit Authority for 24 years. She is retired and lives on a pension. "I began attending program activities in the 1980's with my oldest boy. I was trying to keep his mind occupied, to keep him off the streets, and going somewhere other than a dead end."

"My oldest son is 22 now; he manages money much better. He hasn't gotten any young women pregnant and, through the program, he’s learned to respect women. In turn, he respects himself more. My youngest is 14 years old and very rambunctious. He needs a lot of handling, but he's just started the program, and I'm not worried about him. I know the program will bring him around."