Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Scruggs.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I knew at an early age that I wanted to live a life of service. My parents divorce made me want to mentor youth to give back something that I felt I missed in some ways. I had great mentors in my life who filled in those gaps for me which made me give back. I started in radio and it was Stan Bell who told me that I should go into education. He saw a lot in me.
I left radio after two years and worked as a Project manager for a hospitality leading the fundraising projects. After 3 years, one of my close friends Ramone felt like I would be good as a teacher and he helped to open that door for me. I transitioned into education, started mentoring my former students and I’ve been mentoring them since. If it were not for them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. My former students saved my life!
Working at my current job, as a Community Coordinator leading Whitehaven, had been one of the biggest blessings for me because it aligns with my passion and calling. Agape Child & Family Services is changing lives one person at a time and for 7 years, I’ve watched and seen those testimonies of hope and transformation.
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?
I grew up in a single parent household. I am a product of divorced parents. Life was not easy for me but my mom made it to be the best for me. I wasn’t the kid that wanted the latest of anything. I barely asked my mom to buy me things. I wanted to go to church, help people, hang with my childhood best friend Kenon Walker, go to school and have fun.
I knew at an early age that I wanted to live a life of service. My parents divorce made me want to mentor youth to give back something that I felt I missed in some ways. I had great mentors in my life who filled in those gaps for me which made me give back.
I’m a living witness of the scripture that says, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The work that I do is so fulfilling. I have the opportunity through my job, Agape Child & Family Services to help families come out of poverty. I serve as the Community Coordinator for the Whitehaven and Orange Mound area. I oversee and lead all of the community based projects for those areas. I love when families say that we’ve change their life for the better.
I am also very proud of the mentoring work I do with my mentees and former students. It blesses my life when I see the
Impact I’ve made on their life.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I realize that God has a purpose for my life. No one can be you but you. I try to stay grounded in the work that has been out before me and continue to remain mission focused and selfless.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would encourage anyone to find you a good mentor. Make sure you have people in your life who can give you the best advice. My mentors helped me out so much. I think about Bobby White and Ed Stanton who help shape my community service and community engagement passion and Dr. Ken Brown who helped my collegiate path.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: michaelscruugs3
- Facebook: Michael Scruggs
- LinkedIn: Michael Scruggs
