..="noscale" /> .. .. .. ..
As our society undergoes its many changes, the call for caring and qualified individuals is being made. I courageously accept this challenge. Far too many people profess with their lips and substitute this for action. I refuse to stand by and watch our communities deteriorate due to the effect of violence, substance abuse, unemployment, homelessness, under age pregnancy, lack of education, and other ills in our society. I have made a conscious decision to put my best foot forward then take another step towards helping the many people who have been victimized by these social sicknesses I know too well about these illnesses because I was once homeless, a victim and perpetrator of violence, substance abuser, unemployed, and imprisoned. For many years I was part of the problem; a young man lost in this society I was alone and without many positive male role models to look up to who could relate to me. So the obvious happened, I turned to gangs. Being a member of the Bloods appeared to give me the recognition and respect I longed for. After many years and too many scars and bids to count, I was delivered from this vicious cycle. Only through the grace and mercy of my lord and savior Jesus Christ was I able to find a different gang to belong to. I testify today that Jesus is the true O.G.(only God) Not many youth will be blessed to have found some kind of deliverance before its too late .Our young are being warehoused in prisons through out the country. The drug addict is getting younger and receiving punishment rather than help. Once released from prison they too often find themselves returning back to society with little to no support; No jobs, few family members, and most times homeless. They are destined to return back to their gangs and former life styles. We have a responsibility to stop this cycle especially those of us who have been there, and done that. I am sending out this urgent message to all those who dare take a chance in the belief that we can make a difference. I am willing to work with any organization that can share my vision for a better tomorrow. My history in community work is impeccable. Though I have yet to be recognized by larger community organizations, I would like to believe that I have positively touched some of the young lives I’ve come in contact with. After being released from prison, I’ve worked along side many gallant giants to fight against the spread of H.I.V., and AIDS. I’ve volunteered as a H.I.V. educator with Harlem United in Harlem USA, and studied under Mr. Malcolm Davis from the P.A.C.E. program at the Osborne Association on Westchester Ave. in the Bronx. I’ve also offered my assistance in Harm Reduction and the needle exchange program. However, it wouldn’t be fair to go any further without first mentioning one of the greatest men I’ve ever met Mr. James Allen the executive director of the Addicts Rehabilitation Center in Harlem USA. Mr. Allen was a great mentor and inspiration. He showed such love and devotion. It was his example that I give credit to for my unwavering devotion to change. Mr. Allen would be quick to give the credit to Father God. After deciding to devote my life to helping Gang members find escape from gangbanging and drug addictive persons find recovery, I decided to become a substance abuse counselor and motivation speaker. Though my struggles to find employment in the field have been unsuccessful (possibly due to my background), I nonetheless continue to push forward and promote recovery to the belief in a higher power. I’ve returned to school, presently majoring in Mental Health and chemical Dependency at Dutchess Community College and continuing to reach out to every hand in need. Since returning to school I’ve maintained a (B) average and for the first time had the privilege to work beside Mrs. Sandra Bradley LMSW from the NYC. Housing authority as a mentor for the ‘Day of the child’ An ACS sponsored event. My blessings have been too great to name. However, they mean nothing if they go to waste. I know that I like many other young adults coming from crisis situations have something to offer. All we need is a chance to prove our worth. Hopefully those of you, who read this letter, read it with an open mind and a heart to respond., WOMAN WHO CAN RELATE TO MY PROFILE AND ALL THOSE WHO KNOW STRUGGLE, PAIN, AND DISAPPOINTMENT YET MANAGED TO RISE ABOVE IT ALL PLEASE CONTACT A BROTHER.