Born on December 6, 1956, Harry Thomas has had decades of experience in the city of Chicago. Throughout his life, Thomas had only caused good for those who need a helping hand in the city.

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago with his six siblings and his parents, Thomas made education and basketball his major priorities, earning him a full ride at Oberlin College. When talking about basketball, Thomas became nostalgic, remember how dedicated he was to the sport: “No matter where I went, I always had a basketball with me. I was always making sure I became the best player I could be”.

Although an injury prevented him from achieving his dreams in the NBA, Thomas turned to his second passion: psychology. After pursuing his Masters at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Thomas created Choices Treatment Services, a clinic that aims to help those in the South Side of Chicago get the mental help they need. Besides this, Thomas also worked with Chicago Public Schools, working at Kelly High School as well as mentoring prisoners in jail, all while supporting a family of 4. When asked how he achieved such a balance, Thomas said: “It definitely is hard at times, but I know that each day that I am alive I live my life to the fullest, and therefore I believe that is a balance in itself.”

We should all appreciate Thomas for taking time to do so much for the community he grew up in. The South Side of Chicago, while slowly improving, is still a place of extreme poverty compared to other places in Chicago. Thomas knows this and the mental trauma that can grow as a result: “Many people from the South Side begin to compare themselves to others, which really blows their confidence.” By providing mental treatment to these people, Thomas also offers patients a chance to perform well at school and receive a successful. I am proud to call this man my father and I only believe he will do more powerful things in the future.