Industry Leader Calls for Community Action to Break Cycles of Poverty and Unemployment
HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / July 23, 2025 / Gladney Darroh, founder of Piper-Morgan Associates, is a respected figure in the professional recruiting industry and Houston philanthropy circles. He's using his latest feature interview to spotlight an issue close to his heart: the urgent need for community support of at-risk youth programs and workforce training initiatives.
In a newly published feature article titled "Gladney Darroh's Journey: From Shoe Sales to Industry Leader," Darroh shares the story of his own humble beginnings and the career that followed. But the majority of his focus now is on giving back-especially to young people facing challenges similar to those he faced in his own youth.
"Success starts with the basics-an early start to education, good nutrition, regular healthcare, family stability, and safe housing," says Darroh in the interview. "I've seen it firsthand. Without these, kids fall through the cracks and adulthood success is stunted."
Why This Cause Matters Now More Than Ever
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 400,000 children in the U.S. live in foster care. Many face lifelong struggles with health, education, and employment.
Studies show youth from low-income backgrounds are twice as likely to drop out of high school and face a 40% higher unemployment rate as adults.
Darroh, who's been a longtime supporter of Today's Harbor for Children-a nonprofit serving neglected and abused children (now a satellite campus of DePelchin's Children's Center)-believes programs like these can break the cycle of poverty and abuse.
"We need to stop thinking someone else will fix it," Darroh states. "Everyone can make a difference. Volunteer your time. Mentor someone. Donate when you can. It all counts."
Career Lessons That Inspire Action
Darroh's own story underscores the importance of opportunity. As a teenager, he worked multiple jobs to help his struggling family. Later, working his way through college at night, he spent seven years in a day job helping hundreds of parolees and underprivileged youth to become certified welders and developed skilled, well paying jobs for them post training.
"My experiences have taught me that working is learning, and learning is living. If you want to live to your fullest you must learn to your fullest, it's as simple as that," he says. "Those welding programs didn't just teach a skill. They restored dignity and hope and confidence in the future."
That experience shaped Darroh's career and sparked his lifelong commitment to community service.
His Ongoing Parkinson's Mission: Empowering Voices and Changing Lives
Beyond youth programs, Darroh has also championed efforts for people with Parkinson's disease. He fully funded the creation and now the ongoing operations of 501(c)(3) Loud and Clear, an Austin, TX group that developed and deploys a free mobile app that provides critical voice-fitness exercises. Today, it is used by thousands in more than 100 countries.
"This technology can help people anywhere, anytime, and it's completely free," he explains. "It's about giving people with Parkinson's a tool to help themselves." Google: loudandclear.io
A Simple Call to Action: Start Small, Act Locally
Darroh's message is clear: big change starts small.
"You don't have to be rich to give back," he says. "Start with your time. Help a kid with homework. Support local shelters or training centers. Mentor someone trying to find their way. Use technology to expand your efforts."
He adds, "Yes, of course one's financial donation really matters. Often it's all people can do. But what matters most, I believe, is giving one's time, giving one's commitment to the person. As you do, regardless of your differences you'll develop a mutual connection marked by shared feelings. I promise there will come a time when you'll celebrate the sheer joy of knowing you've made a meaningful difference for good in another human being's life. It's a priceless feeling. Eventually, this question will occur to you: "Who is saving who?"
Take action today:
Volunteer in your community
Support local workforce programs
Mentor someone in need
Gladney Darroh's story is proof that resilience, service, and kindness can change lives-starting with your own.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Gladney Darroh
Gladney Darroh is the founder of Piper-Morgan Associates, a top technical and professional recruiting firm based in Houston, Texas. Known for his honesty, resilience, and community impact, Darroh has spent decades connecting people to careers and supporting causes that help at-risk youth and underserved communities. He is also the Angel Benefactor of Loud and Clear, a free global voice fitness app for people with Parkinson's. His life's work centers on service, integrity, and giving back.
Contact:
info@GladneyDarroh.com
SOURCE: Gladney Darroh
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire