CLASSES HAVE BEGAN!!

If one were looking for the perfect example of someone who had learned from his mistakes and used
that knowledge to change the world, they would need to look no further than TJ Johnson. Despite
finding himself in unfavorable situations as a teen, he quickly turned them around and began a journey
that would impact his community in a major way.
 

As a young man, TJ began working with youth at AmeriCorps and volunteering with the Greater
Pittsburgh Literacy Council. After helping a woman with comprehension, she went on to obtain her GED
and it was in that moment that he fully realized the power of being there for someone – you could
actually help them change their lives. Bitten by the volunteering bug, TJ went on to work with the
Pittsburgh Project, as an after- school teacher and performed community clean-up. A firm believer that
your candle does not dim by lighting someone else’s, TJ sought ways to continue to give back,
understanding that this was his life’s work and purpose.

Currently, as the Director of Programs at Community Forge, TJ has the pleasure of providing technical
assistance to program participants, piloting workforce development programs, and youth afterschool
programs. He oversees entrepreneurial coaching and a mentorship program for thirty small business
owners and fifteen resource providers.

TJ is also a skilled bookkeeper and has been building his business for over five years. He intends to
continue to grow that business and assist scores of small businesses with their accounting needs.
Living his personal motto of, “You are never broke with a pocket full of hope,” TJ intends to not only
make his dearly departed mother proud, but also show his sons and grandson how to live a full life of
service and success. He wishes to show them the power of perseverance and gift them the blueprint for
a life well lived.

Bishop Neal is an accomplished football coach who was born and raised in the city of Clairton, Pennsylvania. He has coached for numerous college institutions like  Westminster College, Saint Francis University, Duquesne University, and his most recent position is at Monmouth University.  Bishop graduated with a bachelors in exercise physiology and a masters degree in Education.  Beta Builders allows Bishop to follow his passion in educating the youth and show that there are many ways to succeed outside of sports. 

Bishop Neal
Beta Builders Director