"From That To This" chronicles Garner's youth growing up in Springfield as a troubled young man with the will and determination to succeed.
SPRINGFIELD - Carmen Garner is helping at-risk youth overcome difficult situations by sharing his own story of struggle, tragedy and triumph in his newly released memoir, "From That to This."
With the use of original artwork, poems and heart-wrenching memories, "From That To This" chronicles Garner's youth growing up in Springfield as a troubled young man with the will and determination to succeed.
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He went on to become a public school teacher in Washington, D.C.
"At an early age I was aware that most kids did not grow up the way I did. I grew up in the projects and in crack houses," shared Garner. "As a child I watched my mother beg for crack from my friends. I saw my mother, uncles and aunts use needles with heroin. I watched my mother die. My brother was sentenced to life in jail. I had no role models, I only had me."
Garner pushed through the challenges facing him and went on to become a successful teacher, coach, college graduate, artist and youth mentor. He hopes to inspire other young people to follow in his footsteps.
"We as a society should be able to prepare our kids and help supply them with tools for success," added Garner.
"From That to This" is available for purchase on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com
