Continuing on with our review of Samaritans, we often ponder what truly motivates them, or what led them to a life of service. When we delve into the minds and experiences of these gifted “do-good-ers” we often discover layer upon layer of experiences and scenarios that would easily destroy the weak, simple and scared. Yet there are others who use their plight as a backdrop, foundation and catapult towards greatness. A never give up or in attitude, then after surviving become an angel in this world of hate and hurt. They become one of those who want to give rather than take, put back, restore and rebuild. They say “what happened to me will not happen to you, if you would only listen to me!” Today we take time to acknowledge and laud another organization and individual who specializes in “Samaritan Plus”, this guy is passionate about “pulling the coats” of our young men: Today we talk with a founder of one such organization; Mr. Larry Rivera.
http://www.project2ndchance.org/
Mr. Larry Rivera
Born February 13, 1973 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a motivational speaker, mentor, and workshop developer for “PROJECT 2ND CHANCE: A Torchlight For The Youth.” By the time he was 14 years old, Larry Rivera accomplished winning a silver medal, a bronze medal and two gold medals in the AAU and USTU Junior Olympics, landing him the opportunity to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Graduating high school out the 11th Grade in 1990, Larry attended UNC-Pembroke and UNC-Greensboro with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. After a series of bad and questionable decisions, Larry landed in Federal Prison with a 10 year, 3 month sentence. After serving over 9 years in Federal Prison Sentence, Rivera channeled his focus and hasn’t looked back. While incarcerated, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Shaw University and mentored fellow inmates.
Upon release from Federal Prison, Larry focused his life on being an effective public servant, father, mentor and motivational speaker to youth and ex- felons. A champion of 2nd chance established car dealership, A.N.G. Auto Sales, Inc. (A New Generation), which employed and mentored high school, college students and ex-felons. His key affiliations include Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis. He is also the Co-Founder and Committee Chairman of The Katherine Johnson STEM Institute at Alpha Academy Charter School. Today, he continues to speak to and mentor students in middle schools and high schools in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His ability to relate with children from various backgrounds is magical. He is a ‘fallen star’ rising into his divine purpose within the Universe, captivating the minds of the youth and directing them to a more productive, rewarding and moral life.