​BENDRICK FOSTER

Bendrick Foster, the visionary Founder of New Life Movement, was born in 1975 at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California. Raised in Richmond's Park Plaza neighborhood, a stone's throw from Kennedy High School and adjacent to Martin Luther King Elementary School, Bendrick was the fifth child in a family of nine. His father, Benny, a Church of God in Christ Minister, and his mother, Aille, a missionary and certified nursing assistant (CNA), instilled in him a strong sense of community and faith.

In his formative years, Bendrick showcased musical talent as an active church choir drummer. However, like many Richmond youth, he faced significant challenges in middle school due to a lack of academic preparation. The resulting sense of inadequacy led him down a disruptive path, ultimately resulting in dropping out of school by 9th grade.

For over two decades, from 1988 to 2014, Bendrick lived a life entrenched in the street culture of Richmond, engaging in drug dealing, hustling, and carrying firearms. He gained respect and authority within this lifestyle, being what others in similar circumstances called "true to the game."

In mid-2014, a profound transformation occurred in Bendrick's life. Fueled by faith and a higher calling, he realized the need to break this destructive cycle and create a positive impact on Richmond's youth. Determined to guide younger generations towards fulfilling lives, he embarked on a personal journey of change. Shedding his involvement in illegal activities, he embraced responsibility for his family and community's well-being.

In 2015, leveraging his influence gained in the streets, Bendrick took a courageous step to clean up a community park near Martin Luther King Elementary, combating criminal behavior that students faced on their daily routes to and from school. This initiative caught the attention of the City of Richmond and an anonymous philanthropist, leading to the park's full renovation.

Continuing his advocacy and direct youth outreach, Bendrick co-founded New Life Movement. He ensured that the organization's roots were firmly planted in the community he serves, with his sons attending local schools. Aiming to keep resources within the community, Bendrick emphasized hiring individuals from Richmond, reinforcing economic sustainability and growth.

Bendrick remains a tireless advocate for his community, driven by the vision of New Life Movement. Through the organization's initiatives, including mentoring at-risk youth and establishing a Youth Resource Center/Café in the heart of Richmond, he strives to equip young individuals with essential skills for success. As a loving husband to his wife, Nae, a nurse and ardent supporter, and a dedicated father to their sons, Davion and Little Bennie, Bendrick exemplifies the power of transformation and the potential for purposeful, community-driven lives. He firmly believes that instilling pride in Richmond's children is foundational to nurturing their sense of purpose and contributing to a thriving community.

To this day, Bendrick and the New Life Movement team shoulder the responsibility of ensuring safety in the park, safeguarding youth from bullying and predators as they journey to and from school. What was once a place of fear has transformed into a haven for families, who now use the park for joyful activities, all because of Bendrick's unwavering presence and commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for the community.