MEET THE FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Hey, I'm Eustace!
Eustace D. Payne, Jr. is an author, ordained minister, nonprofit leader, REALTOR®, mentor, and former state and federal probation officer whose work has centered on helping people move beyond the barriers that can imprison them mentally, emotionally, economically, and spiritually.
For more than three decades, Eustace has worked alongside men and families navigating incarceration, reentry, fatherhood, faith, personal responsibility, and major life transitions. That experience taught him that lasting change requires more than changing behavior—it requires changing what people believe about themselves and what they believe is possible.
In 2009, he founded the Massachusetts Community Outreach Initiative (MCOI), where he has helped men rebuild their lives, reconnect with their families, pursue education, start businesses, become homeowners, and grow as fathers, husbands, mentors, and community leaders. In 2026, the National Association of REALTORS® named Eustace a Good Neighbor Awards finalist, recognizing work that has directly supported more than 300 men and their families. REALTOR® Eustace Payne Jr
Eustace is also the author of Chasin’ God, Not Church, which explores faith beyond religious routine and challenges readers to pursue an authentic relationship with God. The same philosophy runs through his writing and his community work: people must take responsibility for their past without allowing their past to permanently define them. REALTOR® Eustace Payne Jr
Today, through MCOI and its Emerge initiative, Eustace is expanding his focus on men struggling with identity, fatherhood, relationships, leadership, faith, and purpose. His goal is not to tell men what they should be, but to help them discover who they are capable of becoming.
MEET THE CO-FOUNDER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Hey, I'm Teresa!
Teresa is an inspiring educator and compassionate leader whose career has spanned over three decades in high school classrooms and alternative education programs. A proud graduate of Brown University, she dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds through mathematics, instilling not only knowledge but confidence in her students.
Beyond the classroom, Teresa served as a devoted minister at her church, where she played a vital role in both spiritual guidance and community empowerment. Her deep commitment to her faith and community was evident in every aspect of her life.
Throughout her teaching career, Teresa witnessed the struggles of students who were bullied for their intelligence and individuality. Determined to support them beyond academics, she teamed up with her husband, leveraging his expertise to help these students develop strong boundaries and discover their voices. Together, they empowered young people to stand tall against adversity and embrace their unique strengths.
Teresa’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication—to education, to faith, and to the well-being of every child who needed a champion. Her work continues to inspire and uplift, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
OUR TEAM
Our volunteers and mentors demonstrate an incredible commitment to our children, going above and beyond to make a lasting impact. Their dedication shines through in the time they invest, offering guidance, support, and encouragement that helps shape young lives positively. It's inspiring to see how these mentors selflessly give of themselves, often becoming trusted role models and advocates for the children they serve. Their commitment not only enriches the lives of the children but also strengthens our community as a whole.