Metro Atlanta man who spent years in prison aiming to help others stay out of trouble, find support

TUCKER, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A Georgia man who served 17 years in prison is doing what he can to keep people off the streets and out of trouble. Christopher Willars said he is also focused on giving people who get released the tools they need to reintegrate back into society.

Lasting Layers of Beauty Institute is a cosmetology school by day, but it was a meeting space on Wednesday night. The conversation was led by a nonprofit called The Life Unit.

“We are trying to get to people before prison. And if they already went, we are trying to get to them when they are coming out, to provide support so they can be successful,” said Willars.

When Willars finished serving time, the work began.

“I was a 19-year-old kid. I ended up having to do 17 years,” said Christopher Willars, founder of The Life Unit.

He does his work through social media. He does his work with his team through these monthly meetings called the “Wake Up.” They talk about legislation that might impact them, they teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

“Now we are trying to bridge the gap, and stop kids from going down the same path that I did,” said Willars.

The team is made up of people from all walks of life.

“You are looking at a person who served 23 years in a state penitentiary. I didn’t think that I deserved a second chance,” said Genesis Asiatic, a member of The Life Unit.

“I have a background in forensic science, criminal justice and death investigation. I see far too many of our youth succumb to the streets,” said Marquel Johnson, another member of The Life Unit.

“As a child, my dad, he was in and out of jail and prison,” said Kylah Lockett, another member of The Life Unit.

These men and women know decisions made at a young age can cause lasting damage, and that there are some decisions you can’t take back and you can’t make right.

The Life Unit believes intervention could work, and support is out there. They say they are trying to give others what they didn’t have in hopes of keeping people in their communities and out of trouble.