BY JATIKA HUDSON, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – There are no days off for MAN UP’s, co-founder, Chris Wallace. During this interview, he was driving through Ivey Lane Homes visiting with their mentees, conducting weekly check-ins, encouraging them to stay on track and reminding them about their upcoming mentoring session on Thursday evening.
Last May, Wallace was honored by the Orange County School Board for spearheading an initiative with his employer, Frito-Lay and PepsiCo Foundation that led to the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Program at Robinswood’s Middle School receiving brand-new appliances.
How Wallace finds the time to mentor, run an at-risk youth mentoring organization going on 10 years now, oversees their community garden, works full-time, all while being a loving father and supportive husband is admirable to say the least. But it was his most recent act of kindness that caught the attention of School Board Member Vick Felder, who nominated Wallace for the recognition.
An employee of Frito-Lay for more than 35 years, the company has been an avid supporter of Wallace’s community efforts by providing volunteers, mentors, program staff, board members and funding to his mentoring organization. When Wallace presented this opportunity, they were eager to become an OCPS Partner in Education. After the senior leadership team visited Robinswood MS and learned about their needs, the company purchased a brand-new kitchenette including top of the line appliances such as a washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, a basketball goal and school supplies specifically for the school’s ESE students.
This project was near and dear to Wallace’s heart because his son is an ESE student. Last school year his son’s teacher Ms. Caludia Young expressed the need for updated appliances, and oftentimes the needs of ESE Students are overlooked, and unfortunately Wallace knows this all too well. Using his resources he presented the initiative to the senior leadership team at Frito-Lay, and from there all hands were on deck to make his wish possible.
“This contribution was a huge benefit for our students and provides a great hands-on learning experience,” said Debra Turner, Robinswood’s assistant principal. Former ESE teacher, Claudia Young was excited for the students to learn and gain life skills experience, she also shared, “We appreciate the generosity of Frito-Lay, the appliance donations are a step toward increased self-esteem and independence for our students.” Today, the donation serves as a lasting tribute, honoring the life of longtime educator Claudia Young who passed away from cancer in April.
When I asked Wallace where his passion to serve others comes from, he immediately stated, “His upbringing and his faith.” Encouraging others to reach their full potential and meeting people where they are in their time of need in a nonjudgmental way is his calling.
Although he may not realize it, the impact he’s making on today’s youth, especially his current and past mentees, is life changing. They are witnessing servant leadership at its best and are learning from his example. Wallace has built a legacy rooted in service and compassion that far surpasses what he ever imagined.
This year marks another milestone for Wallace as his nonprofit celebrates a decade of impact. “To walk in my purpose daily and be able to make an impact in the lives of our young people, means more to me than anything. Most importantly, to know that God is using someone like me, that’s just mind blowing. Every day I’m grateful.” he says.
ABOUT MAN UP MENTORING, INC.,: MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. is a community-based non-profit 501c (3) charity organization primarily serving at-risk youth ages 11 through completion of high school or the equivalent across Metro Orlando, with a focus on delinquency prevention and intervention by providing social, educational, and mentoring services. Established in 2014 by Orlando natives, brother and sister duo Christopher and Samantha Wallace. Currently, it is managed by an Executive Director, contractors and a full-time staff of volunteers. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with more than 150 years of law enforcement and civilian experience, as well as advisors from the Orange County Public School System and social services.
