About Nate

I was born in Philadelphia and raised in Lancaster. I grew up looking for guidance because I didn’t have a good relationship with my parents. Being young and impressionable I turned toward older people in the streets for this mentorship. As I learned from these mentors I adapted quickly and created a reputation for myself. I was respected. Using this respect I was able to flourish in a lifestyle of organized crime. This lifestyle continued until I was shot in the stomach. I lost four liters of blood and was informed that the bullet stuck in the L2 disc of my spine. I realized that respect in the streets only gets you so far in life. It was in that moment that I decided something needed to change. I reached out to Bench Mark Program and began working with their staff. The mentoring I received at Bench Mark Program helped me realize that I had so much potential and could really become someone that people look up to. After being involved in Bench Mark Program for several years I was offered the opportunity to work on staff. I am currently a Program Assistant for Bench Mark Program. If you would’ve asked me in 2015 where I saw myself in the future I would have simply told you: “prison.” My mission now is to make sure all youth see me and understand that being a leader is possible for all of us and no matter what battles we face we are built to last, learn, and grow.