From Challenge to Purpose

Bernard and Leslie's Journey:

Leslie and Bernard’s journey embodies resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to community transformation. Coming from an inner-city neighborhood and a small town burdened by violence, poverty, and fractured family structures, they witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children growing up in unstable environments.

A Foundation Built on Challenge

Leslie grew up in a single-parent household, where she witnessed her mother’s tireless efforts to support their family. While she was fortunate to have a strong support system from her grandmother, she lacked the cohesive family structure that she now strives to model and share with others through her work and example today. Despite her mother’s determination, the lack of resources and community support often left Leslie feeling isolated and vulnerable. Similarly, Bernard grew up surrounded by the cycles of violence and poverty that claimed many of his peers. Without stable role models or emotional security, he saw the long-lasting effects of fractured family structures.

These experiences gave Leslie and Bernard an intimate understanding of the consequences of broken relationships—emotional instability, a lack of healthy role models, and the overwhelming uncertainty that shaped their early lives. But amid the adversity, they shared a vision: a belief that strong families could transform lives and rebuild communities.

A Journey of Faith and Resilience

Determined to break free from the challenges of their upbringing, Leslie and Bernard pursued education and sought refuge in their faith, which became a guiding light. They discovered the transformative power of healthy relationships, mentorship, and a supportive community. Their shared journey taught them the importance of stability, love, and proactive intervention in breaking cycles of dysfunction.

Founding Life Sustained

In 2015, Leslie and Bernard united in marriage, embarking on a journey that would test their resilience and deepen their faith. Like many couples, they faced challenges, including moments of uncertainty, the pressures of parenthood, and the trials of job loss. These struggles shaped their understanding of the complexities couples face and further fueled their desire to create meaningful change.

In 2023, they founded Life Sustained, a Christ-centered initiative born out of their shared passion and unwavering faith. Their mission is simple yet transformative: equip couples with the tools, resources, and support needed to build thriving marriages and strong families. Leslie and Bernard understood that to break the cycles of poverty and violence, they needed to address the root causes—broken relationships and the absence of healthy family dynamics.

A Vision for Lasting Change

Leslie and Bernard’s story embodies the mission of Life Sustained, and their vision is one of hope and transformation:

• Happy Relationships Lead to Healthy Families: Strong marriages foster love, stability, and support that positively impact children.
• Healthy Families Transform Communities: Stable homes produce engaged citizens who contribute to reducing crime and building opportunity.
• Communities Thrive Through Proactive Intervention: By equipping couples with practical tools and Christ-centered guidance, they believe the cycles of poverty and violence can be reversed.

Leading by Example

Today, Leslie and Bernard are living proof that change is possible. Through their workshops, coaching, and community-driven programs, they have empowered countless couples to rewrite their own stories. They believe that building strong marriages and families is the foundation for restoring hope, reducing violence, and creating a legacy of stability in communities that need it most.

A Gift to the World

Leslie and Bernard’s journey is not just about their own triumph over adversity. It is a story of faith, love, and a shared mission to uplift others. Through Life Sustained, they offer a bridge to a brighter future for couples, families, and communities—a future rooted in grace, resilience, and the transformative power of God’s love.