Starts Right Here: Will Keeps on Courage, Leadership, and Healing in Des Moines

Send us a text

Will Keeps, born William James Holmes, grew up on the South Side of Chicago, facing immense hardship from a young age. Surviving childhood abuse, gang involvement, and a near-death experience, Will transformed his life to become a passionate advocate for at-risk youth. Now based in Des Moines, Iowa, he is the founder of Starts Right Here, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through education, mental health support, and positive community involvement. Will’s story of resilience and his commitment to changing lives have earned him local and national recognition as a beacon of hope for struggling communities.

In this powerful episode of Courageous Crossroads, Will Keeps shares his harrowing yet inspiring life journey—from a troubled upbringing in Chicago’s gang-infested neighborhoods to becoming a force for good in Des Moines. Will opens up about the traumas of his past, his struggle with PTSD, and how those experiences shaped his mission to support at-risk youth through his nonprofit, Starts Right Here. He also reflects on the challenges of fighting negativity, the importance of community, and what true courage means to him. This episode is a deep dive into resilience, redemption, and the power of using your own story to uplift others.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at info@crossroadsapologetics.org
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!