About Promised House

Our Organization

The Promised House is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on middle to high-school-aged young men facing the greatest obstacle based on risk factors shown by research. We select young men for our program who are most in danger of school failure, gang and drug involvement, criminal behavior, and aggressive behavioral issues.

Our Mission

Promised House’s mission is to be a refuge for middle and high school-aged boys, by providing a safe and nurturing environment, teaching life skills, and providing solutions to the problems they face to lead a successful life.

Meet the Team

Founder, CEO, Pastor

Burney Hayes

Burney Hayes is a U.S. Navy Veteran and former law enforcement officer with Polk County Sheriff's Office and Lake Wales Police Department. Mr. Hayes established the Lake Wales Police Athletic League and founded the South Point Shooters travel Basketball team. Mr. Hayes is also the Pastor of Mt. Sinai, in Medulla, Florida

Education Director

Gwendolyn Hayes

Gwendolyn Hayes is the spouse of Burney Hayes. Mrs. Hayes has experience working with schools and educators. Mrs. Hayes currently teaches first grade at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary.

Mental Health Counselor

Gardner Hawkins

Garner Hawkins is a Lake Wales native. A college graduate of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte with a master's degree in Special Education specializing in behaior-emotional disabilities. Mr. Hawkins has over 25 years of experience.

Spiritual Advisor

Rev. James Cleare

Rev. James Cleare was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. Rev. Cleare has over 30 years of pastoring churches large and small. Rev. Cleare is widely known for his practical and dynamic teaching style which help people apply the timeless truths of scriptures to their everyday lives.