When asked his favorite things to do, Austin Dennard is quick to answer with basketball, gaming, and praying for others.

A freshman at McDonough High School, he is a leader both on the basketball court and off.

Austin spends much of his time reaching out to the youth in the community and encouraging them to join him at the Malachi Project, a local faith-based youth program.

Describing himself as a “man of God,” Austin states he would rather be spending time with others at the Malachi Project if he knows he is “changing lives.”

Established in 2015 by Pastor Terrell Scott and his wife Brandy, the Malachi Project serves the youth in the McDonough area, elementary to high school, by offering a safe place for them to meet after school hours. The program provides attendees a healthy snack and dinner, focused homework time, tutoring, recreational time to play games or sports, and fellowship.

“We’re fathering a generation,” said Pastor Terrell. “On a weekly basis, we impact steadily 50 children or more. Over the years we’ve seen kids get saved, changed, receive help, and then whole families have been changed because of that. As we impact the kids, then they go impact their families.”

Having been involved in the program since elementary school, Austin is now focused on being a mentor to others.

“I want to mentor the youth and help them make better decisions and life choices,” said Austin. “Just knowing the youth look up to me just helps me make greater choices and not fall into the wrong.”

Pastor Terrell stated he has seen tremendous growth in Austin over the years and feels he is already making an impact as a leader and mentor.

“We teach that you can’t be a good mentor unless you are a good student first, unless you’re a good follower,” said Pastor Terrell. “Austin started to really follow and be mentored and now we’re seeing a transition where he’s becoming a mentor and being a leader, not only to our younger kids but also to the peers his age at school, and on the basketball court.”

Shawanda Dennard, Austin’s mother, shared that she has noticed Austin grow in confidence, compassion, and love for others.

“He’s my ‘Awesome Austin,’” said Shawanda. “Austin has the type of heart where he’s always rooting for the underdog. He’s always there to help people who are in need. He’s just an awesome kid.”

She expressed that The Malachi Project was everything she was looking for in a program for her children years ago and is grateful for the impact it has made in the local community.

“The Malachi Project instills faith in our kids. The program teaches self-love, self-forgiveness, self-worth and, in addition, they teach the youth how to love one another,” said Shawanda. “For me, that’s everything because it means a better tomorrow and hope for the youth and their future. The Malachi Project wants to change lives for the better. They want to be that village for the youth.”

Austin hopes to one day play in the NBA, but stated he will plan to always be actively involved in The Malachi Project, the organization that has helped shape him into the young man he is today.

“When I go to the NBA, I want to help this program even more,” said Austin. “I want to give back to the community.”

The Malachi Project has big plans for Fall 2024, with the opening of The Malachi House, located at 312 Rogers Street in McDonough. This will allow them to impact a greater number of youths in the community.

By Erin Lopez