The Chris S. Owens Foundation — Youth Gun Violence Prevention, Brooklyn NYC
PROTECTING OUR YOUTH.
SAVING OUR
COMMUNITIES.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to youth gun violence prevention, intervention, and financial literacy — founded in honor of Chris Shakim Owens, taken at age 13 on April 26, 2009.
Chris Foye
Founder & Executive Director
FAA-Certified Drone Pilot · National Advocate
From Tragedy
To Purpose
On April 26, 2009, Chris Foye's 13-year-old son, Chris Shakim Owens, was struck by a stray bullet in Harlem, New York. A week later, Chris was taken off life support. He was 13 years old.
Rather than be consumed by grief, Chris Foye made a decision that would change thousands of lives: he would extend his son's legacy and fight to ensure no other parent would endure what he experienced.
Today, Chris Foye is a nationally recognized advocate for gun violence prevention — a credible messenger, community organizer, FAA-Certified Drone Pilot, and the driving force behind programs that are changing lives across Brooklyn, NYC, and nationally.
"I made a promise to my son that his death would not be in vain. Every young person we reach is a promise kept."
— Chris Foye, Founder & Executive Director
Chris Foye & First Lady
Michelle Obama
Personally invited to stand alongside the First Lady of the United States in support of President Obama's national "Gun Sense Legislation" campaign.
Side by Side
Chris Foye with First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House · Washington, D.C. · 2013
Legendary
A conversation that changed everything
Gun Sense Legislation · The White House · 2013
From Brooklyn to the
White House
Chris Foye was personally invited to the White House to stand alongside First Lady Michelle Obama in support of President Obama's landmark national "Gun Sense Legislation" campaign — a defining moment that recognized his extraordinary work translating personal tragedy into national policy advocacy and community transformation.
After losing his 13-year-old son Chris Shakim Owens to gun violence in 2009, Chris Foye refused to let grief be the end of the story. He channeled his pain into purpose — building a foundation, raising a national voice, and earning a seat at the highest table in the land. From the block to the boardroom. From Harlem to the White House. And he is not done yet.
The Mission Continues
Every program we run, every youth we reach, every policy we fight for — it all traces back to this moment. Chris Shakim Owens lives on in every life we save.
Recognition & Credentials
White House Invitee
Gun Sense Legislation · Washington, D.C. · 2013
National Media Voice
On-camera advocate, spokesperson & community journalist
Award-Winning Leader
King of Kings Award · Community Leadership Recognition
FAA-Certified Pilot in Command
SKY DWELLER Drone Program · Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Nonprofit Founder
The Chris S. Owens Foundation · Brooklyn, NYC · Est. 2009
From Brooklyn to the White House · From the Block to the Boardroom
TWO FOUNDATIONS.
ONE MISSION.
ZERO EXCUSES.
The Chris S. Owens Foundation and the Grant Cardone Foundation are rewriting the narrative — bringing world-class financial literacy to the youth most impacted by gun violence and economic inequality.
From the block to the boardroom. Together, we are building a pipeline from survival to generational wealth — because financial freedom is the ultimate act of resistance.
The Chris S. Owens Foundation
Brooklyn, NYC · Gun Violence Prevention · Youth Empowerment
Official Partnership
From the Block to the Board Room Financial Literacy 10-Point Program
Foundation
The Grant Cardone Foundation
International · Financial Literacy · Youth Mentorship
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From the Block to the Board Room · Financial Literacy 10-Point Program
Why This Partnership Matters
Gun violence and financial illiteracy are deeply connected. Communities that lack access to financial education are more vulnerable to the economic conditions that fuel violence. The Chris S. Owens Foundation and the Grant Cardone Foundation are addressing both sides of this equation.
Through our From the Block to the Board Room Financial Literacy 10-Point Program, we are equipping youth and families in Brooklyn and beyond with the financial knowledge, tools, and mindset to build generational wealth — and break the cycles that lead to violence.
Financial Literacy
10-Point curriculum for youth & families
Wealth Building
From budgeting to generational wealth
Community Reach
Brooklyn, NYC & national expansion
Credible Mentors
Real leaders with lived experience
From the Block to the Boardroom
Financial Literacy 10-Point Program
In partnership with the Grant Cardone Foundation — a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum designed for youth and families in underserved communities.
Financial Mindset & Goal Setting
Building the mental foundation for wealth creation and long-term financial success.
Budgeting & Money Management
Practical tools for tracking income, managing expenses, and eliminating debt.
Credit Building & Repair
Understanding credit scores, building positive credit history, and repairing damaged credit.
Banking & Financial Institutions
Navigating banks, credit unions, and financial products to maximize your money.
Saving & Emergency Funds
Creating financial safety nets and developing consistent saving habits.
Investing Fundamentals
Introduction to stocks, bonds, real estate, and building long-term wealth.
Entrepreneurship & Business Basics
Starting, running, and scaling a business from the ground up.
Real Estate & Asset Building
Understanding property ownership, equity, and real estate as a wealth vehicle.
Tax Literacy & Legal Protections
Knowing your rights, understanding taxes, and protecting your financial assets.
Generational Wealth & Legacy Planning
Building wealth that outlasts you — for your family and your community.
What We're Doing
In the Community
All Programs 
Funding NeededGun Violence Prevention & Intervention Youth Program
Mentorship, trauma-informed counseling, conflict resolution, and life skills training for at-risk and high-risk youth in Brooklyn.
Active ProgramSKY DWELLER Certified Drone Pilot Program
STEAM initiative for youth ages 16–24. FAA-Certified training connecting young people to aviation careers and drone technology.
New ProgramFrom the Block to the Boardroom Financial Literacy 10-Point Program
In partnership with the Grant Cardone Foundation — 10-point financial literacy curriculum for youth and families in underserved communities.
Our Program Curricula
Lights Camera Action curriculum coming soon · Contact us for more information
Chris Foye
Founder · The Chris S. Owens Foundation
Man on a Mission
Gun Violence Prevention · Community Advocacy · Brooklyn
Chris Foye in the News
& the Community
From PIX 11 News to the National Action Network, from NYC City Hall to the streets of Brooklyn — Chris Foye has carried the message of youth gun violence prevention to every platform that will amplify it.
Watch Chris Foye in Action
Chris Foye — Gun Violence Prevention in Action
Watch Chris Foye on the ground in Brooklyn, driving real change for youth. Video loops automatically.
Watch on YouTube
Chris Foye Featured on PIX 11 News
PIX 11 News spotlights Chris Foye's community activist work and the impact of the CSO Foundation across NYC.
Watch on YouTube
Street Smarts
for Parents
Don't wait for it to be your child. Prevention before detention. In partnership with the NYC Department of Probation, this community conversation on gun violence prevention and intervention runs Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Leaders, Legends & the Community
Chris Foye & NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio
Chris Foye & Assemblyman Charles Barron
Chris Foye at NAN — House of Justice
Chris Foye Graduates · Mom by His Side
Chris Foye & Big Daddy Kane
Chris Foye & Marc John Jefferies
Chris Foye & Coco
CSO Foundation Community Rally
N2Deep MC · Staten Island, Jersey City, Long Island · United for Peace
Kings of Kings County Award
Brooklyn Media Group · Home Reporter & Brooklyn Spectator · 2014
From Brooklyn to the White House · From the Block to the Boardroom · The Voice of a Movement
What Happens When
Youth Get Support
Without intervention, at-risk youth face a pipeline from the block to the prison system. Without financial literacy, even those who escape violence remain trapped in poverty. The Chris S. Owens Foundation addresses both — giving young people the tools to survive and the knowledge to thrive.
Through our partnership with the Grant Cardone Foundation and our own community programs, we are creating a new pipeline — from the block to the boardroom.
Community in Action
Local & national events to prevent gun violence in America
Invest in Our Youth.
Invest in Our Future.
Every dollar funds programs that keep young people alive, off the streets, and on a path to a better future.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit · All donations are tax-deductible
How You Can Help
Volunteer
Bring your skills and time to our programs. Mentors, counselors, educators, and community members are all needed.
Become a VolunteerPartner With Us
Government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and elected officials — let's build a coalition that saves lives.
Explore PartnershipsAdvocate
Use your voice. Share our mission. Contact your elected officials. Demand action on gun violence in our communities.
Start AdvocatingWhat People Are Saying
"Chris Foye is one of the most credible voices in the fight against gun violence. His work in Brooklyn is saving lives every day."
Community Partner
NYC Government Agency
"The Block to the Boardroom program gave me tools I never had. I finally understand how to build a future for my family."
Program Participant
Brooklyn, NY
"The SKY DWELLER program opened doors I never knew existed. I'm now pursuing a career in aviation technology."
Program Graduate
SKY DWELLER Drone Program
Chris Shakim
Owens
1995 — 2009
THE CHRIS S. OWENS FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in the name and honor of 13 year old Chris Shakim Owens, who was shot and killed April 26, 2009 by a stray bullet in Harlem, New York, and placed on life support. Tragically, after a week of fighting for his life, Chris Shakim Owens was led to rest May 03, 2009.
Chris was a son, a student, a child full of life and potential. His death was not a statistic — it was a tragedy that shook a family, a community, and ultimately sparked a movement that continues to this day.
"His life was taken too soon. His legacy lives on in every young person we protect, every family we support, and every community we serve."
— Chris Foye, Father & Founder
Chris S. Owens
1995 – 2009 · Age 13 · Forever in Our Hearts
In Memory of Chris Shakim Owens · 1995–2009
His life was taken too soon. His legacy lives on in every young person we protect, every family we support, and every community we serve.
Built for Donors. Built for Funders.
Built for Community.
Individual Donors
Every dollar is tax-deductible and goes directly to youth programs. Give $25 or $25,000 — every gift saves lives.
Donate NowFoundations & Grants
We are grant-ready with a proven track record, White House recognition, and measurable community impact.
Request a ProposalCorporate Sponsors
Align your brand with a nationally recognized gun violence prevention movement. Naming rights, event sponsorships, and co-branding available.
Become a SponsorAdvertisers & Partners
Reach an engaged community audience across Brooklyn, NYC, and nationally. Digital, print, and event advertising opportunities available.
Advertise With Us501(c)(3)
IRS Certified Nonprofit
White House
Recognized Advocate · 2013
PIX 11
Featured in Major Media
Brooklyn, NYC
Community-Rooted Since 2009
Your Brand.
Our Mission.
One Powerful Impact.
The Chris S. Owens Foundation offers corporate sponsorships, event partnerships, digital advertising, and co-branded campaigns that connect your organization to a passionate, community-driven audience across Brooklyn, NYC, and nationally.
Event Naming Rights
Put your brand on our annual community events and youth summits
Digital Advertising
Website, social media, and email newsletter placements
Community Reach
Direct access to Brooklyn, NYC, and national audiences
Co-Branded Programs
Sponsor a youth program and carry the recognition