Born in the South Bronx, Steven grew up with little positive guidance in an environment plagued by substance abuse. He followed his role models in making self-destructive decisions which resulted in four years in federal prison. However, while incarcerated, Steven earned a general equivalency diploma. As soon as he was released, Steven faced an internal crisis. He was torn between the decision of taking a new direction with his life or returning to the streets. At a critical moment in his decision-making process, he found himself walking down 104th street where he overheard some Exodus participants talking about prison. He asked them why they were there and never looked back. He immediately felt at home at Exodus and quickly saw how the Exodus Contract could be the path to his new life. Steven so impressed the staff at Exodus that after a year as a participant, he was offered the receptionist position and soon afterwards promoted several times to his current position as Program Manager, where he supervises the Contract Coaches. Because of his success in the Exodus Contract process, he has mastered the art of leading participants to meet their goals. Despite his wonderful success, everyday he still ponders the struggles and personal demons he fought to get to where he is today – this insight has created within him a great ability to empathize and relate to the participants following in his footsteps