Walter McNeil is a native Baltimorean and attended the Baltimore City Public School system. He matriculated to Coppin State College (now Coppin State University), and completed his academic studies receiving two degrees, Bachelors of Social Work and Bachelors of Social Science. He later attended the University Of Maryland School Of Social Work, where he received his Masters degree. Walter is licensed on every level of Social Work:  Social Work Associate, Graduate Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

 

Mr. Walt as he is affectionately called by his Participants is the recipient of numerous awards and citations.

 

• 2015, Putting Power in Your Purpose Recognition Award.

• In 2013, he received citations from the Governor of Maryland and the Mayor of Baltimore City.

• 2012’s NASW’s Field Instructor of the Year,

• Youth Initiative Achievement Award, A Step Closer Foundation,

• Service Above Self Award, Harlow Fullwood Foundation,

• Humanitarian Award, Howard Cornish Foundation,

• Good Neighbor Award, March Funeral Home, and

• The American Red Cross “Chairman’s Award” which is the highest award bestowed on an individual for outstanding community service.

 

His vision has received recognition from local and national media organizations including The Montel Williams Show and the Tom Joyner Morning Show. He has been listed in the Who’s Who Among Executives for the past ten years and an on going interview on the internet, Time To Act.org.

 

Presently, he is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Challengers Independent Living, Inc. and Tayjari Counseling Services, LLC. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. More importantly, he is a loving husband and a nurturing father of two intelligent young ladies. 2015, marks Challengers’ 18th year of service to abused abandoned and neglected youth in foster care.