TOLEDO, Ohio — On the corner of Monroe Street and Auburn Avenue sits Go Tyme Grynd Gym. Founded in 2021 by DeAndre “Coach Poo” Gaston, it's where he hopes other formerly incarcerated people can get a second chance at a fresh start.
Gaston himself was sentenced to 16 years in prison when he was 18 years old. But after serving his time, he decided to never go back to where he was and became an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and social activist.
Working with the Lucas County Commissioners Office, through funding from the Safety and Justice Challenge Grant, Gaston is hosting his Hood 2 Health program.
Now at least two formerly incarcerated people will get a chance to learn under Gaston hands-on training, career mentoring, fitness training and nutrition coaching certifications.
Applicants Jonas Overton and Ronnell Peterson said Gaston and the gym are a great part of this community.
"It helps you, you develop everything. Make you think better, feel better," Peterson said. "If you want to live longer, you're going to do this and get stronger."
Peterson was arrested on drug charges and after four years behind bars, he was released in 2013. As a family man with a wife, five children and one granddaughter, he said he wants better for his family and community. Jonas Overton agreed.
"I wanted to come and work out with somebody who could understand where I came from mentally and physically and came from the same struggle where I came from," Overton said. "So I chose a friend who was putting into the community and not just taking money up out of it."
Gaston said for years he's been trying to help his community and thanks to the Safety and Justice Challenge Grant, he's able to specifically help other formerly incarcerated people succeed.
"We need it. So why would I take what I've become and the things I've learned somewhere else, rather than bring it home," Gaston said.
Peterson said applying for this program just made sense to him.
"This is how I managed my time in there. This is how you deal with your anger and frustrations and everything, and it's free," Peterson said. "Felonies cost, but this is free."
Gaston said he's happy to have gotten quite a few applications for the program, but this year's program only has a handful of spots. He acknowledges that this program may not go completely as he planned, but it's worth it to take the risk.
"Specifically right here to making an impact in the community. You have to take a chance and take a chance on people," Gaston said. "Somebody took a chance on me, I delivered. So who am I not to have faith in the next man or woman?"
To learn more about the Hood 2 Health program, meet the chosen participants and hear about the youth programs Gaston is putting on, you can attend the gym's community day.
It will be held at Go Tyme Grynd Gym, located at 3403 Monroe St., on March 16 at 2:00 p.m. This is free and open to the public.