Every urban city in America has one – a neighborhood branded by its crack houses and drug dealers. Sadly, the casualties of such areas are the children – forced to live within these conditions and survive the harsh realities of their environment.

But in the midst of such desperate surroundings …there is hope.

Gary Randle, a former police officer, founded Hope Farms, a Fort Worth based non-profit organization designed to help at-risk boys see beyond their environment toward their potential. Randle and his partners took two abandoned crack houses and created an oasis where love exists amidst the chaos of poverty and addiction.

All of these boys lack a father-figure in their lives. Gary Randle and the staff of Hope Farms fill that void by providing a male influence and offering these boys the benefit of a nuclear family. He refers to each of these boys as “his son” and balances love and support along with healthy doses of discipline and structure.

One of his sons is Demetron, a ten-year-old who came to Hope Farms after living in an abandoned house and eating garbage for food. Demetron reacted to these conditions with aggression and hostility. He was difficult to control and was told by his teachers and school administrators that he was headed for prison. But Gary Randle stepped in and said, “No. Not this one.”

Today, Demetron is a handsome, clean-cut, soft spoken young man with dreams of becoming a football star, or, he says, “If that doesn’t work out, maybe a real-estate agent.”

Demetron has thrived in his environment and is considered a leader among his peers. When asked about Mr. Randle, Demetron is quick to give him credit for some of his success.

“He just wants the best for us,” he says. “He doesn’t want us to be on the street. He tries to get us to be like young men and be a good example to the future for the younger people in our family.”

Demetron is beating the odds and changing his destiny. Gary Randle says that Demetron represents many other boys whose potential is hindered by an environment they did not choose.

“I heard an interview with Wayne Gretzky,” says Randle. “They asked him what was the secret to his success. Wayne Gretzky said, ‘I skate to where the puck is going to be not to where it is.’ That’s the same way I do with children. I saw Demetron not to where he was I saw Demetron where he’s going to be.”

Gary Randle takes the boys on field trips to experience other parts of the country. He believes that the more they can see beyond their current reality the more likely they will pursue their dreams. One special trip included a visit to the White House. Randle says, “It was incredible for me to see these boys visualize themselves being here, in the seat of power. I believe if they can see it, they can achieve it.”

Although Randle remains very committed to this mission, it has not been without frustrations, sacrifices and set backs. There are boys that have been lost. The drug dealers and the gang members compete for the lives of these boys and some cannot be saved. However, when he is discouraged, Randle takes the long way home.

“Sometimes when I’m running low on inspiration, I take the long way and I see the lives of men and women on the corner who have chosen to participate in drugs and gang activity. And I see that it’s an unrightfully place for human beings. And I am inspired – it stocks my fire – to come back to Hope Farms and work harder for the boys that are in this program.”

For the boys of Hope Farm, their environment will not define their destiny. They are breaking a cycle and becoming men of character. For these boys have found a place where love prevails and hope is harvested.