OUR STORY
Growing Up in Foster Care
Daniel, a Charleston, South Carolina native, entered the foster care system at 12 years old after his father passed away and his mother went to prison for credit card fraud.
Throughout his seven years in care, Daniel bounced around foster homes, group homes, three middle schools, and three high schools. A constant change of friend groups, foster parents, case workers, teachers, and therapist.
Daniel’s story is not unlike other children who experience the foster care system.
The Difference Mentors Made
Where Daniel’s story is different, and why Winston Rhea exists today, is because Daniel had two constant supports in his teenage years as he navigated the foster care system: his high school basketball coach, Winston Williams, and his court appointed Guardian Ad Litem (CASA), Catherine Rhea.
Coach Williams and Catherine provided consistent support while Daniel was in care, and opened their homes to him as he was aging out of care and going off to college. They were his safety net that allowed him to use education to overcome foster care.
Founding of Winston Rhea Scholars
In 2021, after a decade of working in higher education and social services, Daniel and Katie Harris started Winston Rhea Scholars.
The purpose was simple: to provide that consistent love and support to young adults aging out of care, to mirror the support Daniel was lucky enough to receive.
Daniel Harris, 2025 Gambit 40 Under 40 Honoree
Every year, Gambit New Orleans publishes a list of 40 individuals under 40 – nominated by their community because they go above and beyond in their own way for our city.
"From young changemakers to artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders, these honorees are shaping the future of New Orleans in big and small ways."
[Gambit, 2025, Vol. 46, No. 30]
We are proud to say that our Co-Founder and Director Daniel Harris was selected as a 2025 honoree of Gambit's 40 Under 40.
It is my hope that Winston Rhea is a beacon of hope and opportunity for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. As these young people reach the age of 18, the reality many times is a loss of support and guidance that they have relied on. This transition can be particularly challenging, as many of these young people lack the necessary resources and skills to navigate adulthood effectively. I hope Winston Rhea can be a bridge to providing support tailored to their unique needs.
– Winston Williams, Namesake & Board Member
Young people who have been in foster care have experienced some sort of trauma during their childhood. The adults in their life have fallen short and often left them to the mercies of a state system. Sometimes the circumstances work out and the kids find safety, comfort and hopefully even love. Once they reach high school and are ready for the next steps in their journey mostly they are expected to be on their own.
Imagine being a 17 year old with no family support or money or guidance. That is what Winston Rhea Scholars hopes to offer. We become the support, the family, the ones to encourage or set the kid straight if need be. Our scholars know we are there for them no matter their needs. We want each scholar to understand that we expect them to be involved with the new young adults who become scholars after them. Our goal is to build a family of commitment, security, and success. We are a young organization and yet, our scholars have already excelled. We ARE building that family. I am beyond proud of Daniel and what his vision has brought to other foster kids to ensure that their past does not define their future.
– Catherine Rhea, Namesake & Board Member