Our Program Co-Director

DAROLD ROBINSON

Born and raised on the far South Side of Chicago, I come from a community still widely considered one of the most dangerous places to live. Growing up in an underprivileged neighborhood, I experienced firsthand the challenges of inadequate housing and a lack of basic infrastructure. As an African American male, I was confronted with the harsh realities of life in an environment where safety, opportunity, and resources seemed scarce.

As a young kid, I simply wanted to enjoy life and experience the carefree moments of childhood. But as I got older, that innocence was overshadowed by the growing violence in my community. It became clear that law enforcement, despite their motto of "To Protect and To Serve," did not live up to their promises in our neighborhood. My community lacked the support and protection that every child deserves. The everyday violence, the constant uncertainty, and the absence of positive role models pushed me to find my own way of surviving—by joining a gang in search of safety and belonging.

However, I refused to let that be my story. Over time, I recognized that I didn’t want to watch the next generation fall victim to the same cycles of violence and despair. That’s why I became deeply committed to Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC). I made a conscious decision to pour my energy into helping our youth escape the constraints of the environment that once defined me.

As a member of T-TEC, my mission is simple: I want to guide our youth on a path of success, help them break free from the stigma that surrounds our community, and show them that there is more to life than the barriers they face. My personal experiences, the struggles I've overcome, and the lessons I've learned make me an invaluable asset to our mission. Every moment I spend with the youth is an opportunity to be the catalyst for change, to help them embrace a mindset of determination, resilience, and self-worth.

I firmly believe that we can rewrite the narrative for our community. But I can’t do it alone. We ask for your help in this mission. Your voice, your story, and your spark can inspire as much change as mine does. Together, we can create a different future for our youth and our community.

Join us at T-TEC as we work to build a brighter tomorrow.