Give Purpose.

Did you know Augusta, Georgia ranks at the bottom of the Child Opportunity Index? Living in Purpose exists to enable the youth of Augusta to reach their fullest potential, eradicate statistics, strive for success, and achieve their dreams.

All of this is made possible by the generous donors who see this potential in our youth.

Donate today to help us continue changing lives in Augusta.

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Meet the Reliable Executives of Our Youth Nonprofit About Yannik McKie, Executive Director

Overcoming adversity and turning obstacles into stepping stones is the expertise of author, speaker, and purpose coach Yannik McKie.

At age 11, Yannik suffered the heartbreak of his parents’ divorce and learned that both Mom and Dad were HIV positive. By the age of 15, Yannik lost both of his parents to the deadly AIDS disease. Overcoming such adversity has helped Yannik earn his reputation as an expert on how to overcome life’s toughest challenges. Yannik’s amazing life story has been featured on numerous media outlets including ESPN, The Huffington Post, The New York Daily News, Good Day Atlanta, and many more.

Yannik is the founder and executive director of the McKie Foundation through which he donates his time and resources to at-risk youth. For his efforts with youth, Yannik was awarded the Change Maker of the year award from the National Leadership Council and he was inducted into his alma mater, Georgia Southern University’s, top 40 under 40 alumni class. Yannik’s diverse life experiences make him a highly sought-after speaker for universities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Yannik has a degree in Marketing from Georgia Southern University and a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministries from Liberty University. Yannik is the proud husband to his beautiful and supportive wife, Linda, and the loving father to Jahlyn and Elyse McKie.

Meet the Reliable Executives of Our Youth Nonprofit About Yannik McKie, Executive Director

Overcoming adversity and turning obstacles into stepping stones is the expertise of author, speaker, and purpose coach Yannik McKie.

About Brennan Francois, Purpose Center Board Chair

Brennan Francois, is the Chief Diversity Officer for AU Health System, in Augusta, GA. Brennan has been a guiding light for AU Health for 27 years serving as a Patient Representative, a staff Chaplain, and Associate Director of Spiritual Care prior to his current role as CDO. Brennan has dedicated his life to inspiring and challenging people to be their best every day.

Brennan is originally from New Orleans, LA, but now, after 27 years, he calls the Augusta area his home.

Brennan received his Masters of Divinity degree from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. His specialized Clinical Pastoral Education was done at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. His Diversity in the Workplace Certification was earned at the University of South Florida

Brennan serves as the Care Pastor of CHOSEN, a unique and growing church in Grovetown, GA. He loves celebrating life with his wife, Arlene Hobbs. They have 6 adult children, and 6 grandchildren. Brennan enjoys golf, traveling, reading, and playing word games like Scrabble. God is the navigator of his life and he believes with God all things are possible.