4-Star Chicagoan starts program to keep kids off streets

CHICAGO -- This week's 4-Star-Chicagoan is a Zion police officer who was on the brink of taking his own life. He stopped by to share his story and what he is now doing to help others.

Matthew Thornton started "My Father's Business" to keep kids off the streets. Being a cop, Matthew was depressed and wrote out a suicide note. When he was in his car about to commit suicide, a woman knocked on his window and handed him a cross. That encounter made Matt change his life and he went to get mentored by a pastor, who then encouraged him to help the next generation. That started My Father's Business, where Matt took his son and four friends to play basketball. It grew into an organization where hundreds of kids in Zion come out every Friday to play basketball, video games, eat a meal and be mentored. Matt has an average of 125 kids age three through 18 that come to the church every Friday and stay off the streets.

More on My Father's Business: facebook.com/myfathersbusinesschanginglivesforeternity

Help Give Back: gofundme.com/MyFather-sBusinessisspreading

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

Available 24 hours everyday