Minister Barrington Smallwood is the Founder and Executive Director of the Vision Identity and Purpose Club, the V.I.P Club of Washington, DC. Before founding the V.I.P Club, Barrington was a troubled teen who grew up in Ward 7 of Washington, DC. Facing challenges at home led him to destructive behaviors that resulted in negative consequences throughout his young life, including drugs, truancy, promiscuity, and gang violence.
Through positive mentoring from a friend at the PGC Police Officer, Barrington was able to turn his life around. In 2013 Minister Smallwood met Apostle Gary Hill. Through mutual conversation, they realized they shared a vision of bettering the community. Smallwood walked with Apostle Hill, volunteered for Exodus for four years, and has been employed with Exodus.
Ten years later, Barrington is a bridge in the Woodland community, contacting partners, stakeholders, and residents. He is a leader and active in the community, mentoring, coaching youth boxing, coordinating retreats, and holding weekly events such as men’s power walks, family game nights, bible studies, food distribution, and much more. Minister Smallwood helps carry the burdens of the community and is affected by the homicides, but through it all, Minister Smallwood continues to encourage, inspire, and uplift others through Word, actions, and song; Minister Smallwood has a love for the community and a servant’s heart. He is always looking for ways to help better the community. He serves as a leader, mentor, role model, and Minister. It’s an honor to partner with him.