It takes a village to raise a child.

Undivided Courage is the safe village and community that at risk young adults need to build their futures.

Undivided Courage, West Philadelphia Born and Raised…

Our Founder: Ms. Frances DeBreaux

Undivided Courage was established in 2017 by Ms. Frances DeBreaux, owner of DeBreaux’s restaurant in northwest Philadelphia. Ms. Frances has helped many people, young and old, who have come through her doors by nourishing their bodies with food, their minds with knowledge and advice, and their hearts with love. When a building was gifted to her in West Philly, Ms. Frances knew that it was destined to give young adults in her community a chance for a stable home and the supports they needed to thrive.

Ms. Frances grew up in a loving family with twelve siblings in South Carolina. Her upbringing showed her what it takes to give the younger generation the start they need in life. Feeling a community and people divide in Philadelphia, Ms. Frances founded Undivided Courage to bring people together and to give them the courage to live into their dreams and potential. The James Charles Home represents a physical manifestation of love, compassion, and opportunity for young adults who need it the most.

Our Building: The James Charles Home

The James Charles Home is located in West Philadelphia and will provide a home, services, and support to 40 young adults between 18 and 24. Named after Undivided Courage’s Founder, Ms. Frances DeBreaux’s, father James and uncle Charles, the building represents the stable start at risk young adults need to support their dreams for the future.

Our Mission: Unconditional Support

The mission of Undivided Courage is to provide housing, services, and opportunities to young adults aged 18 to 24. We achieve that mission through the James Charles House which will operate as a Transitional Living Program (TLP) for youths who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness. We will provide wrap around services including education, employment, case management, medical and mental health care, and life skills.

Our Why

The Solution

Undivided Courage knows that catching young adults when they first experience homelessness is critical. A stable home with services such as: employment services; financial counseling; medical care; educational services; nutrition counseling; mental health support; and life skills instruction can empower young adults to take control of their lives. These young adults in turn can change the lives of those around them and those of future generations.

The Problem

Youths experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia and nationally are often undercounted. Many don’t seek services, which can make it hard to get an accurate number. During the 2019 – 2020 school year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education reported over 8,000 children and youths experiencing homelessness. The real number is considered to be a lot higher. Nationally public schools identified that number to be over 1.2 million.

The Impact

Family-centered support and services, like that offered by Undivided Courage at the James Charles Home can reduce family conflict, address behavioral issues, and reduce the risk factors that might lead a young adult to experience homelessness repeatedly. The continuum of care that Undivided Courage offers can give the young adults a base of skills to begin the next chapter of their lives.

We address the social, psychological, medical, and housing needs of youth, young adults, and families.

Our Services

  • The James Charles Home will provide 40 apartments to house and support young adults. The building will serve as a stable home for them to build their futures and pursue their dreams.

  • Our young adults often face barriers to career training, have limited resources and access to financial education and related services. Undivided Courage is here to change that by offering employment programs to address a broad range of vocational skills. This will give our young adults the abilities and training necessary to be successful in transitioning to adulthood and careers.

  • Financial counseling helps our young adults develop a basic financial plan. We teach them about financial goal setting, saving, budgeting, financial risk, borrowing and credit. Because financial planning is such a personal topic, our youths will be encouraged to define their own financial goals and objectives.

  • We will connect our young adults with high quality, low barrier, and affordable health and wellness care. Our goal is to put a special emphasis on preventive care and health education.

  • We prepare our young adults to achieve college success and support them on their learning journey. We will provide college scholarships for learning and connect our residents with GED educational opportunities.

  • Bad nutrition can cause many related health problems if someone is experiencing housing instability. The risks vary for malnutrition, nutrition-related health problems, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental illness. Access to food, nutrition, and health services are vital.

  • Mental health support is fundamental to at risk young adults. Youth experiencing or at risk for homelessness have higher rates of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and conduct disorders than those in stable homes. And a lack of access to behavioral health care further complicates most individuals’ ability to seek treatment. Prioritizing mental health is the key to long-term success for supporting young adults.

Our Journey

Click on the timeline to see our history from establishment to present time.

  • Phase 1:

    Creation of Undivided Courage LLC.

  • Phase 2:

    Formalization of the Board of Directors and community stakeholders. Obtain 501(c)3 status.

  • Phase 3:

    Fundraising for renovations needed to transform existing space into a community hub.

  • Phase 4:

    Ground Breaking Ceremony and renovations to the James Charles building. Formalizing community partners.

  • Phase 5:

    Open our doors to vulnerable youth! Launch housing & social service operations.

  • Phase 6:

    Expand community footprint to include provision of education & workforce solutions.

Our Board

  • Sherman Neal

    Sherman Neal is strategic initiatives coordinator for Washington State University Athletics. Sherman is committed to empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves. He knows that teaching, mentoring, and advocating for removal of inequities from communities that inhibit equal opportunities to enjoy success is the path to achieving this. He is an athlete, attorney, Marine, coach, and strategic planner which allows him to develop and execute cross-organizational, and often multi-national, solutions to dynamic landscapes.

  • Joseph DeBreaux, Jr

    With over 10 years experience in the construction industry, Joseph is an asset to any project. Joseph is one of Undivided Courage most accomplished project managers. Joseph has worked on all types of projects and has been with the UC team for over 10 years. Possessing many strengths in his management, Joseph has become quite successful in the administration of HUD or federally funded as well as task order or on-call projects. He has successfully completed multiple projects in the City of Philadelphia. He enjoys working on difficult and challenging projects and believes in the mission of UC.

  • Carnell Windley Ginn, LCSW

    Carnell Windley Ginn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Parent Education Trainer. She has over 25 years experience working with children, families and individuals as an agent of support and guidance. Her professional life includes a commitment to serving the needs of children and families as a School Social Worker.

    She has studied many modalities to bring healing to those in need. She is a lifelong learner inspired by the abundance of opportunities available to broaden and enrich the lives of young people.