Community Highlights: Meet Nigel Houston Jr of Teen Time Outreach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nigel Houston Jr.

Hi Nigel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee to teen parents who were still trying to figure out life themselves. My story began with a fight for survival—I came into this world premature, with a birth injury so severe that doctors said I would never walk or talk. My mother was young, scared, and homeless at the time, but she never gave up on me.

Growing up, I faced challenges that could have easily broken me. I was surrounded by poverty, crime, and the constant pain of losing people I cared about to drugs and violence. Every day was a reminder of how easy it was to fall victim to the environment around me. But deep down, I made a promise to myself—I wouldn’t let my circumstances define who I became.

Books became my escape and my foundation. While others gave in to the streets, I poured my energy into learning and personal growth. Every book I opened, every goal I set, was a step toward rewriting the narrative that had been written for me at birth.

Today, I carry those early experiences as fuel for my purpose. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of giving back. My journey from struggle to strength is what drives me to help others see that no matter how they start, it’s never too late to change their story.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life didn’t give me an easy start. From the moment I was born, I had to fight—literally. I came into this world too early, too small, and with complications that doctors said would keep me from ever walking or talking. Those words could’ve been the end of my story, but instead, they became the beginning of my fight.

My mother was just a teenager trying to survive when she had me. We didn’t have much—some nights, not even a place to stay. Growing up, I saw things no child should have to see. The streets around me were filled with pain—friends caught up in drugs, families torn apart by violence, dreams cut short before they ever had a chance.

There were times I felt invisible, like no one expected anything from me. I struggled with anger, fear, and moments of deep doubt. But I also learned that pressure can either break you or build you. I chose to let it build me. Every obstacle—every loss, every setback—taught me something about perseverance, faith, and purpose.

My biggest challenge wasn’t just surviving my environment; it was learning how to rise above it mentally and emotionally. I had to teach myself how to see beyond what was in front of me and believe that my life had meaning, even when the world said otherwise.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Teen Time Outreach, my mission is personal because I’ve lived the kind of pain and struggle that so many of our youth face. As Founder and CEO, I built this organization to be what I needed growing up—a safe place for young people to be seen, supported, and reminded that their past doesn’t determine their future.

Every program we create is rooted in real experience. We work with youth who are facing challenges like homelessness, trauma, behavioral health struggles, and family instability. Through mentorship, life skills, and community support, we help them build confidence and stability while learning how to navigate life in healthy, productive ways.

My role goes beyond running the day-to-day operations. I spend time connecting directly with our teens—listening to their stories, guiding them through difficult choices, and showing them that success is possible no matter where they start. I also work with partners, schools, and other community organizations to make sure our youth have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Teen Time Outreach isn’t just a program—it’s a movement of hope, healing, and growth. Every day, I’m reminded why I do this work: because I know what it feels like to be counted out, and I’m here to make sure the next generation knows they can still win.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that often surprises people about me is how much I enjoy Japanese culture. From the discipline and philosophy behind martial arts, to the peacefulness of traditional tea ceremonies and the creativity in anime and art—I connect deeply with the balance of strength and calm that’s so central to Japanese life.

I’ve learned a lot from studying the culture—especially the concepts of “kaizen” (continuous improvement) and “wabi-sabi” (finding beauty in imperfection). Those ideas remind me of my own journey: growing through struggle, embracing the flaws that shaped me, and constantly striving to become better each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teentimeoutreach.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teentimeoutreachorg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teentimeoutreach