top of page

Founding Members

Who We Are

DSC_3347.jpg

Chris Montague

President

Christopher Montague provides the vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment that drive the organization's mission to strengthen communities and create opportunities for youth and families.

 

A lifelong advocate for community service, Christopher is passionate about building safer neighborhoods and believes lasting change begins with people who are willing to step forward and serve.

Known for his ambition, determination, and hands-on leadership style, Christopher thrives on tackling challenges and transforming ideas into meaningful action. Whether organizing community events, leading outreach initiatives, or building partnerships with local organizations and public agencies, he remains focused on creating lasting, positive change in the neighborhoods he proudly calls home.

 

Christopher's leadership is rooted in compassion, accountability, and the belief that every person has the ability to make a difference. As someone who has dedicated himself to serving his community, he understands the importance of meeting people where they are and providing support that empowers individuals and families to succeed.

His philosophy is best reflected in his own words:

"It's not easy to see people in need and not try to find a way to help. So I try my best to be a helping hand in any way possible. We all need help in some kind of way, and if more people cared and acted on that sentiment, the world would be a better place."

Hands of Woodstock continues to expand its impact through youth development, community engagement, violence prevention, educational programming, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives, always guided by the belief that strong communities are built through service, collaboration, and genuine care for one another.

DSC_4076.jpg

Mark Weeks

Vice President

Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Mark Weeks has always believed that strong communities are built through genuine relationships, mentorship, and service. From an early age, he recognized the value of positive role models and meaningful friendships, experiences that inspired his lifelong commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him.

As Vice President and Co-Founder of Hands of Woodstock, Inc., Mark is dedicated to fostering unity, empowering youth, and creating opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods. He leads with integrity and believes that mentorship extends beyond guidance. It is about setting an example through action, consistency, and compassion. Throughout his life, he has remained committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences with people of all ages, encouraging others to reach their full potential while never losing sight of where they came from.

Mark takes great pride in volunteering, organizing fundraisers, supporting community initiatives, and mentoring the next generation. His passion for service is rooted in the belief that lasting change happens when people work together toward a common purpose.

Grateful to serve alongside lifelong friends who share the same vision, Mark believes Hands of Woodstock embodies the power of collective action. Together, they are committed to creating the positive change they wish to see throughout North Philadelphia, proving that united communities can accomplish far more than any one individual alone.

DSC_4076.jpg
_edited.jpg

Devon Cain

Secretary

Devon Cain serves as the Secretary and Co-Founder of Hands of Woodstock, Inc., where he is committed to strengthening the organization through service, accountability, and a deep passion for community engagement. Raised in North Philadelphia, Devon grew up as a dedicated athlete whose work ethic, discipline, and commitment to teamwork continue to shape his approach to leadership today.

Throughout his childhood, Devon was fortunate to be surrounded by mentors, coaches, family members, and community leaders who invested their time, encouragement, and guidance in his success. Those experiences instilled in him a profound appreciation for the importance of positive support systems and inspired his commitment to paying those blessings forward.

As a leader within Hands of Woodstock, Devon is passionate about helping restore the sense of community that once surrounded many neighborhoods by creating opportunities for youth, supporting families, and encouraging individuals to recognize their full potential. He believes that everyone deserves someone willing to offer guidance, encouragement, and a helping hand during life's most challenging moments.

Whether volunteering at community events, mentoring young people, or supporting organizational initiatives behind the scenes, Devon remains focused on making a lasting impact through genuine relationships and consistent service. His goal is to help expose the next generation to opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings, empowering them to dream bigger and pursue brighter futures.

 

Devon's philosophy is captured in his own words:

"I want to bring back the things to our community that I feel have been missing. I love helping others, and Hands of Woodstock gives me the opportunity to show my appreciation by serving the community that helped raise me. I want to be someone who lifts others up when they need it because we all needed that support growing up in challenging environments. My hope is that we can make a real difference in people's lives by exposing them to new opportunities and helping them see that there is so much more waiting for them."

Michael Autrey

Director of Event Operations

Michael Autrey serves as the Director of Event Operations for Hands of Woodstock, Inc., where he oversees the planning, logistics, and execution of the organization's community events and large-scale initiatives. His extensive experience in event management and business operations ensures that every program is organized, safe, and impactful for the families and communities served.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Michael owns and operates several successful businesses across multiple industries. He is the founder of F & H Concessions & Rentals, a full-service event rental company; F & H Enforcement, a private security company; Gamer's Playground, a mobile gaming bus that delivers immersive gaming experiences for youth events, birthday parties, and community festivals, as well as Drop the Lo Towing & Roadside Assistance, a company providing reliable towing and emergency roadside services throughout the region.

 

Michael's diverse business portfolio reflects his commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and community investment. Through Hands of Woodstock, he leverages his operational expertise and business resources to create engaging, safe, and memorable experiences that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunities for youth and families.

DSC_3795.jpg

Dwayne Haley

Treasurer & Director of Development

Dwayne serves as the Director of Development, Treasurer and Co-Founder of Hands of Woodstock, Inc., where he leads organizational growth through strategic partnerships, program development, fundraising, and long-term planning. Passionate about youth development and community empowerment, Dwayne is driven by one central belief: every young person deserves opportunities that extend far beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood.

His vision is to help restore the sense of community he experienced growing up while creating safer spaces, stronger support systems, and greater opportunities for today's youth. Through innovative programming, educational initiatives, workforce development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and cultural experiences, he works to expose young people to possibilities they may have never imagined.

Growing up in North Philadelphia, Dwayne often wrestled with the contrast between the world he knew and the much larger world he had the privilege of experiencing through travel and family connections. While those experiences broadened his perspective, he understood how easy it was to return home and become mentally confined by the familiar surroundings of a few city blocks. That realization became one of the driving forces behind his work.

Today, Dwayne is committed to breaking that cycle by creating programs that expand horizons, encourage curiosity, and inspire young people to envision futures without limits. Whether introducing students to careers, financial independence, entrepreneurship, higher education, or international travel, his goal is to help them see that their ZIP code should never determine the size of their dreams.

Dwayne believes meaningful community development is about more than providing services. It is about changing perspectives, opening doors, and equipping people with the confidence and resources to walk through them. Through Hands of Woodstock, he continues to build partnerships and opportunities that empower youth and families to thrive, ensuring that the next generation sees a world filled with possibility rather than limitation.

"I want our youth to understand that their neighborhood is where their story begins, not where it has to end. If we can expand their perspective, expose them to new experiences, and help them believe in what's possible, we've already started changing the trajectory of their future."

bottom of page