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The inspirational words of one person can completely change the direction of one's life.

Just ask John Graham, deputy director of Guilford Child Development in Greensboro. In the past year, his life has been transformed because he heard an inspirational speech.

For two decades, Graham, a Wake Forest University graduate, worked in the investment brokerage business with high-net-worth individuals and businesses, but he desired to use his talents and skills for more worthy purposes, which he describes as "the greater good."

So he sold his substantial book of clients to another broker.

One of the people Graham sought advice from was Sidney Eagles, former chief judge of the N.C. Court of Appeals and one of his greatest mentors.

"Before, you've gone with your head. This time, go with your heart," Graham said Eagles advised him.

"His advice has always meant a great deal to me," he said, "and I consider him one of North Carolina's treasures."

Later, at a men's club dinner at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Graham heard Robin Britt speak, and this experience changed the direction of his life.

A Morehead Scholar, tax attorney for Smith Moore and former U.S. congressman who preceded Howard Coble, Britt had also served as a Cabinet level secretary for Gov. Jim Hunt.

As executive director of Guilford Child Development, Britt described to the men's club all that was being done by the nonprofit and how he felt to be part of this organization and in a position to help people, especially children.

Wanting more information, Graham invited Britt to lunch, which lasted for three hours. He emerged from the meeting knowing where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do.

"Britt could be pulling in large sums and working for any law firm," Graham said, "but he decided to dedicate his life to helping children."

In March 2008, Graham joined Guilford Child Development as deputy director.

"I feel like I've been working there for years," he said. "I was immediately embraced," Graham said, "and I am blessed to work with so many wonderful people."

Graham wears many hats and works closely with Britt. Some of his responsibilities include overseeing Catering for Kids, Human Resources, Regional Child Care Resource and Referral and Learning Together.

Describing some of the programs of Guilford Child Development, Graham said, "We were the first in North Carolina to have a Nurse Family Partnership. That program is evidence-based and has a track record of ending the cycle of poverty among first-time pregnant teen moms."

Nationally, it has been lauded by President-elect Obama, as well as the N.C. Medical Society and the American Medical Society.

"In Early Head Start and Head Start, we work with various public health organizations to provide dental care, as well as social and emotional counseling for the children when needed.

"We also provide nutritious meals. In some cases, we know the child's only nutritious meals will be during the school year at our centers."

Graham said the Head Start programs of Guilford Child Development is a learning environment that is second to none. "Our centers are four- and five-star centers with clean facilities and a staff that works to involve parents in their children's leaning."

Learning Together is a program that works to help assimilate the Triad's immigrant population through adult literacy and child care. This program partners with GTCC and many of the churches in the area.

Guilford Child Development has 11 centers throughout Guilford County. Many are located within public housing projects.

"While my income is now only a fraction of what I was earning in the brokerage business, I am the happiest man in Guilford County," Graham said. "I feel that I am actually helping make a difference for the children of Guilford County and that gets me up each day."

Graham said he has found that people at the top of the financial food chain have more in common with those at the bottom than they realize.

Both want the very best for their children; both have high hopes, dreams and aspirations for their children; and both want their children to go to college and to become successful.

"I only wish that more at the top would take an interest in those at the bottom," he said. "We live in the greatest country in the world, but there is much we can do to make it even greater. We can start in our own backyard."

Speaking of his work with Guilford Child Development, Graham said, "I know why I am where I am. The bright eyes and smiles of those children tell a story that no words can convey."

Graham's favorite quote is from Frederick Douglass -- "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

Contact Peggy Longmire at rlongmire@triad.rr.com or 288-9040.