06/12/2026
David Nyren, and his wife Carolyn Nyren, have been involved with C24/7 for over 7 years. Their journey with the organization was initiated by their desire to get involved with something meaningful where they could make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Their good friends, Mike and Julie Loeber, were some of the first people to host C24/7’s annual fundraisers, but their true initiation into becoming involved was when Dave attended a Saturday Morning Men’s Group at his church. James and Natalie Crockett were visiting as speakers and, needless to say, Dave was moved by their testimony and that is where his journey begins. 7 years later, David serves as C24/7’s Board President on the Board of Directors, alongside his wife, Carolyn and many others.
In being the Board President, Dave quotes in saying, “I would honestly have to say the most rewarding thing is watching God’s work. You can see it happening right before your eyes”. He deeply admires the god-driven ambition of C24/7’s founder and executive director, James Crockett. He states, “James lives it! James is an aspiration to me and so many others”. Dave made a point to express the value in seeing the progress and growth of the C24 staff over the years. Acknowledging the maturation of the Director of Programs, Fatimah Mitchell, and the High School Program Director, Nelson Thomas.
Currently, Dave is playing a major role in the expansion of the High School Program that has been taking place over the past year. The program has expanded in providing the high school youth with more resources, opportunities, and knowledge in areas of post-secondary resources, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Originally, Dave worked with the younger youth in the Elementary School Program, which he thoroughly enjoyed. However, he explains that he felt “called” to be with the older kids. “When you go up to the high school, they are starting to see what life really is and when you see things “click” in their mind…when you see the lightbulb go off, it is remarkable! I can see how the High School Program is going to, and has, changed lives”, Dave says.
David Nyren has built personal relationships with many high school students, but has connected most heavily with Symirah Douglas, Johan Starkey, and J’Shon Ford. One of the first students he began to work with in his introduction to the High School program was Symirah. She is a graduating senior who will be attending Oakton College of Skokie in the fall, with the major assistance of a faithful volunteer, Devon Roane. Johan is an incoming senior that has been in the program for over 6 years, but Dave has built a special connection with him saying, “From the day I saw Johan, you can tell he had IT. He is so personable and a very good student who naturally attracts you to him because of his personality”. Lastly, Dave has always had a desire to blend his partnership with the Western Golf Association (WGA) and C24/7. As of this year, he has taken on the project of introducing J’Shon into caddying for the golfing organization, which essentially makes him a perfect candidate for a scholarship through the WGA.
