Mr. Tom Peterson has a remarkable way of connecting people. I don’t know why the Department of Juvenile Justice did not think of it before, but Mr. Tom Peterson started a mentoring program for the weary, connecting juvenile delinquents with college students at the University of West Georgia (UWG). His SPARK program curriculum was not haphazard, but well designed, by first selecting students who are committed to creating hope and who can share their different personal perspectives.

Several weeks ago a female, UWG student in the SPARK program said, “I’m coming back,” after being kidnapped at knife point from our local Kroger parking lot. Both students and juvenile delinquents possess a resilience through real life experience and can affirm that the SPARK program really works.

Mr. Peterson has a passion for flying small air crafts, making each day a little lighter. He works hard as a professor at UWG, shepherding as head elder at our local church, leading in prison ministries, and opening his lake home, boat, and dock to Urban Community Life. I am thankful for Mr. Tom Peterson, who takes the roads less traveled, creates safe spaces for building relationships, and his mutual support beyond our summer gatherings. ~ §tacy §weeney

Mr. Tom Peterson