Crossroads Mission gives man a second chance to make first impressions on community

At the Crossroads Mission, many of the staff members are former clients who want to give back to the place that changed their lives.

Corwin Morne-Williams is now the Director of First Impression or in other words the front desk agent at the mission’s men’s shelter.

As a kid growing up in Yuma, Williams was no stranger to trouble.

He admitted he glorified gangs and drugs; a lifestyle that landed him on probation facing criminal drug charges.

” I was always told I’m doing bad or I’m not supposed to be doing that because I’m always in trouble with the cops, ” Williams said.

He remembered being humbled the day he walked into the Crossroads Mission.

” I used to always think I had the most problems in the world. But there are people here that have way more problems. ”

After Williams graduated from the 4-month New Life drug recovery program in 2017, the mission gave him a second chance to make a first impression.

He said the front desk position came natural to him.

” I really do like to make people laugh. I like people to feel comfortable, very comfortable. I try to make it to a point where they want to come back. ”

Williams loves his job so much he said he’d do it for free, as long as he can be positive, productive, and stay out of trouble.

Williams’ next goal he’d like to conquer is becoming a firefighter, a dream he’s had since a child.

On October 12th the Crossroads Mission will be hosting a jubilee to benefit their new men’s center project.

Tickets for the fancy fundraiser dinner start at $60.

It’s to celebrate their 60 years of service in the Yuma community.

For more tickets and other details visit their website .