I noticed residents in the area where I grew up neglecting their health due to a lack of access and affordability. As a result, I decided to become a community activist and help raise awareness of the problems affecting community residents. I tried talking to anyone who would listen. Unfortunately, many of our requests and pleas fell on deaf ears of these officials. The area also suffered from a lack of youth recreational activities, leaving many kids to play on contaminated grounds to avoid being approached by drug dealers in the community. As a last-ditch effort, I introduced a proposal called ” Hope and Project 99.” This project aims to help people in the community improve their quality of life by providing much-needed job training, educational opportunities, and a community center where youths can play safely. Unfortunately, the lack of action led to increased gangs and violence as the community fell into further deterioration and instability.

Feeling frustrated with the lack of results, I decided in 2002 to create a 501 ( c) ( 3) nonprofit organization called Bridge of Hope Resource Center, Inc. The mission of our organization was simply this, “to improve the lives of community residents.” Since our commencement in 1998, our goal has always been to ensure families and individuals enjoy a quality of life that results in better physical and emotional well-being. In 2012, we introduced proposed legislation called, “The Therapeutic Center Bill.”

This will help low-socioeconomic communities with a high propensity for family dysfunctions, truancy, youth dysfunction, violence, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, gang enrollment, incarcerations, mental health, and psychosocial disorders. In addition, address the ongoing social issues and neglect problems through early intervention, prevention strategies, and best practices.

Residents face many challenges compared to ten or twenty years ago. Today’s leadership requires resourcefulness and the know-how to help alleviate the most pressing needs. Many New Yorkers have concerns about how we will weather these unforeseen storms and what the future holds. Today’s elected officials must have a reality check, knowledge, and understanding to deal with economic and social challenges; being ready to address voters’ concerns immediately. We’ve used our finances to fund many of the organization’s programs and activities because it’s essential. Looking back, it’s all been worth it. Seeing lives transformed and getting the opportunity to fight for what matters has been our most incredible honor. Our long-time commitment is to continue to help and together work to find solutions. Solve problems with the proper perspective and ultimately achieve a good outcome.

If you elect me, I will try my best to help find solutions that work!