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The men of CRI are committed to helping young men (between
the ages of 12-16) and young adult men (between the ages of 16-24), learn the real truth about gangs, drugs, guns, violence and
incarceration. They share their stories, answer any and all questions and spend time in small groups with these young
men sharing the reality of a life of crime and it's consequences and explaining that there is in fact an alternative. This program came out of the passion that the men our founders have worked with over the past
11 years felt about reaching out to their communities. Men who were previously incarcerated and are now
model citizens. Married, holding down responsible jobs, raising families, but feel the calling to share
their experiences with the young men in our society. Showing these young men that there is another way, that they can make
better choices and decisions for their future.
 From our Co-Founder Mr. Sam Vaughn "I feel it is so important to show young people that as a community we care for
them and to help them build the self confidence to begin to care for themselves. These young men need to see their elders
care for them and also understand some of the consequences if they don’t get their lives right. CRI is an organization
that has the elders that are willing to show that they care and also give understanding to the difficulties growing up in some
communities. We understand because we have been there and made some of those same bad decisions.”
(Sam has been working with at risk youth since 2004)
 From the heart of our Team Members "My passion lay in the foundations of building communities through empowering and
educating our youth. My past decisions and its consequences is what I use to educate. Consequences, in my opinion, is the
most difficult for youths to conceptualize, but is essential as a preventative tool. Impulsive behavior is not a new phenomenon
amongst our youth or adults for that matter, but it does have a range of negative consequences. It is this range that I believe
our experiences offer a source of empirical educational information that would help youths avoid a similar path that lead
me to gangs, drugs, and the violence associated with that life-style. My hope is that the more educated our youths are, the
more empowered and connected they are to their families and communities." Harrison Seuga. (Harrison has been working
with at risk youth since 2001) "When
I hear people ask, "Is there anything we could have done to prevent this from happening?" - I'm reminded as to why
I do what I do. Or when I see a young person on the verge of making, what could be, a detrimental life changing decision
- I see myself at that young age and I feel this impulse inside to simply reach out and talk some sense into him. I believe
that if they know better, they'll do better." Edward Ramirez (Eddie has been working with at risk youth since 1999) "Today
my passion is to share the truth about my experience with young men and women at that first or second fork in the road.
I've heard many times, "If I had known better I would've done better". Sharing the truth about those things
and any other subjects coupled with my personal experience, I hope that ‘not one', but some, would listen
to what I have to say and consider it sincerely." Patrick Peralo (Pat has been working with at risk youth since
2003) "Working with at risk or any other child is a pleasure and honor. The youth of today want a Mentor
they can TRUST. For me, it is my duty, and my calling. it is priceless to see a young face
beam with hope, trust, and a sense of love, to witness change and to see and hear their feelings become real."
Albert Losno Jr. (Al has been working with at risk youth since 1997)
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