Our Story
FROM TRAGEDY
TO PURPOSE.
The Chris S. Owens Foundation was born from a father's unimaginable loss — and his unwavering commitment to make sure no other family suffers the same pain.
Chris Foye
Founder & Executive Director · The Chris S. Owens Foundation
In Honor Of
CHRIS SHAKIM OWENS
APRIL 26, 1995 — MAY 03, 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. His father, Chris Foye, refused to let his son's death be just another statistic. Every program, every partnership, every life touched by this Foundation is a living tribute to Chris Shakim Owens.
The Founder
CHRIS FOYE —
BROOKLYN'S
VOICE FOR CHANGE
Chris Foye is a Brooklyn-born community activist, nonprofit leader, and nationally recognized gun violence prevention advocate. His credibility doesn't come from a title — it comes from lived experience. He lost his son to gun violence and chose to fight back with purpose.
Over the past 15+ years, Chris has built one of Brooklyn's most trusted youth-serving organizations — creating programs that address the root causes of violence through education, economic opportunity, trauma healing, and community empowerment.
His advocacy has taken him from the streets of Brooklyn to the White House, where he met First Lady Michelle Obama. He has been featured on PIX 11 News, honored by the Brooklyn Media Group with the Kings of Kings County Award, and recognized by the National Action Network at the House of Justice.
Chris Foye is not just a founder — he is a messenger. His story is proof that even the deepest pain can be transformed into the most powerful purpose.
White House Recognized
Met First Lady Michelle Obama
Kings of Kings County Award
Brooklyn Media Group · 2014
National Action Network
House of Justice · Brooklyn
PIX 11 News Featured
Gun Violence Prevention Advocate
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Brooklyn, New York · Est. 2010
Chris Foye · Founder, The Chris S. Owens Foundation
Our Journey
FROM BROOKLYN TO THE NATION
A Father's Worst Day
On April 26, 2009, Chris Foye's 13-year-old son, Chris Shakim Owens, was taken by gun violence in Brooklyn, New York. That day changed everything.
Turning Grief Into Purpose
Rather than be consumed by grief, Chris Foye channeled his pain into action — founding the Chris S. Owens Foundation to honor his son's memory and protect other families from the same tragedy.
Brooklyn Programs Launch
The Foundation launched its first youth intervention programs in Brooklyn, providing mentorship, trauma support, and street outreach to at-risk youth and their families.
White House Recognition
Chris Foye's advocacy work earned national recognition, including an invitation to the White House where he met First Lady Michelle Obama — a testament to the Foundation's growing impact.
SKY DWELLER Drone Program
The Foundation launched the SKY DWELLER Certified Drone Pilot Program — an FAA-certified pathway giving youth ages 16–24 a career in aviation technology and a future beyond the streets.
Grant Cardone Partnership
The Foundation partnered with the Grant Cardone Foundation to bring the From the Block to the Boardroom Financial Literacy 10-Point Program to underserved communities.
Expanding Nationally
Today the Foundation operates across Brooklyn, NYC, and nationally — with programs in financial literacy, drone technology, street outreach, trauma support, and policy advocacy.
What Drives Us
MISSION & VISION
Our Mission
To protect youth, heal communities, and end the epidemic of gun violence through education, economic empowerment, trauma support, and policy advocacy — honoring the memory of Chris Shakim Owens with every life we touch.
Our Vision
A Brooklyn — and a nation — where every young person has the opportunity, the support, and the safety to reach their full potential, free from the threat of gun violence.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Every dollar donated, every hour volunteered, every voice raised brings us closer to the community Chris Shakim Owens deserved to grow up in.