DeAndre Gaston, owner of Go Tyme Grynd Gym, partnered with the Lucas County Commissioner’s Office to create the Hood 2 Health program for those who need it most.
Toledo, Ohio — Located at the corner of Monroe Street and Auburn Avenue go time grind gym. Founded in 2021 by DeAndre “Coach Poo” Gaston, the facility is where he hopes other formerly incarcerated people can get a second chance at a fresh start.
Gaston himself was sentenced to 16 years in prison at the age of 18. However, after serving his prison sentence, he decided not to go back to his former roots and became an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and social activist.
Gaston is working with the Lucas County Commissioner’s Office to host the Food 2 Health program through funding from the Safety and Justice Challenge grant.
At least two former inmates will now have the opportunity to study under Gaston’s on-the-job training, career guidance, fitness training and nutrition coaching certifications.
Applicants Jonas Overton and Ronnell Peterson said Gaston and Jim are an important part of the community.
“It helps you and develops everything. It makes you think better and feel better,” Peterson said. “If you want to live long, do this and get stronger.”
Peterson was arrested on drug charges and was released in 2013 after four years in prison. As a family man with a wife, five children and a granddaughter, he wants to improve his family and community, he said. Jonas Overton agreed.
“I wanted to work out with someone who understood where I was coming from mentally and physically and came from the same struggles that I came from,” Overton said. “So I chose friends who were contributing to the community, not just extorting money from the community.”
Gaston said he has been working hard to help his community for years, and thanks to the Safety and Justice Challenge grant, he is especially able to help other formerly incarcerated people succeed.
“We need that,” Gaston said. “So why not take what you have become and what you have learned somewhere else instead of taking it home with you?” .
Peterson said it made sense for him to apply to the program.
“This is how I spent my time there. This is how I dealt with my anger and frustration and all that, and it’s free,” Peterson said. “Felony costs money, but this one is free.”
Gaston said he was pleased to receive a significant number of applications for the program, but said there were only a few spots available for this year’s program. He admits the program may not go exactly as planned, but it’s a risk worth taking.
“Especially here, it’s about impacting the community. We have to take a chance and give people a chance,” Gaston said. “I succeeded because someone took a chance on me. So who am I to not believe in the next man or woman?”
To learn more about the Hood 2 Health program, meet selected participants, and hear about the youth programs Gaston has in place, attend one of our gym’s community days.
will be held at go time grind gym3403 Monroe St., March 16 at 2 p.m., which is free and open to the public.
