Keion Carpenter is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Carpenter House, a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 with a mission to strengthen and empower families from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them access to resources, activities and structured environments that will allow them to reach their highest academic and economic potential. Mr. Carpenter is committed to providing services focusing on rebuilding communities through education, financial literacy, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
Keion’s commitment to empowering families is driven by his background, the lessons he has learned and the values his family has instilled. Born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised by a single mother, with the assistance of his grandparents, Mr. Carpenter recognizes that it was their diligence, discipline, and love that encouraged his success. At an early age he was introduced to sports as a way to prevent him from succumbing to the streets of Baltimore. Touted as a superior athlete in both football and basketball, he graduated from Woodlawn Senior High School in 1995. Keion went on to pursue his education at Virginia Tech University and graduated in 1999 with a Bachelors degree in Residential Property Management.
In 1999, Keion signed a contract as a NFL free agent with the Buffalo Bills. After three successful seasons in Buffalo as a starter free safety, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. While experiencing an excellent season in 2003, his career was temporarily interrupted by a major collision on the field which caused the need of a spinal fusion surgery to correct two fractured vertebrae. The strong- willed Carpenter returned to the field the following season with a determination to continue living his dream.
Keion officially retired in 2006 after an eight-year NFL career and knew that his contribution and commitment to the youth and underprivileged families in Baltimore and beyond would continue. Since 2005, The Carpenter House has successfully implemented four signature programs: Shutdown Academy, Special Delivery, Commitment for Change, and Carpenter House Communities. With all of the programs working together as an extension of the vision to increase the number of healthy homes and environments of low income children so that they can be motivated to achieve academic success. The healthy home and environment will be achieved by providing children within those households access to activities and organized sports creating a gateway for the members of that household to obtain the resources needed to remove barriers these families face. The creation of such access will ensure they have the capacity to reach their highest potential. To date, The Carpenter House has touched the lives of more than 3,000 families and youth.
Mr. Carpenter spends one-half of every month in Atlanta where he resides and the other half traveling back home to Baltimore. Keion is a role model to many youth and adults alike in Baltimore and beyond and does not take that position for granted. He is forever committed to serving his community and looks to his favorite scripture for ongoing motivation – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.