GRCN Connecting Communities was founded in 1983 by Dr. Allen L. Brown Sr. and his son Allen Brown II, with the sole purpose of making a difference in the lives of youth transitioning out of group homes and foster care, into living on their own as adults. Recognizing the need for basic skills training, they began providing life skills workshops where they quickly discovered that participants were more open to address sensitive topics when they acted in skits. Their workshops quickly developed into a unique program that addresses the needs of youth, using theater and the performing arts as their main form of instruction. Allen L. Brown Sr., Ph.D., is a Clinical Child Psychologist, playwright and author of several books and training guides. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Dr. Brown received a Masters Degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Arkansas and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Child Psychology from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Brown is a former program coordinator for Weed and Seed, a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice.