#GLOVESUPGUNSDOWN, Former Gang Bangers mentor youth

Ruben Saldana "Coach Ruben" is the head of the Credible Messengers of Florida. Saldana served 19 years in prison and is the former leader of what was once Orlando and Miami’s biggest street gang. Credible Messengers, like him, use their lived experiences to mentor the youth. Saldana runs a Gloves Up, Guns Down program in Orange County.

Credible Messengers and at risk youth were joined to talk about  prevention and resources to help local youth thrive. 

#GlovesUpGunsDown Tour was held in: Philly, New Jersey, New York City, Maryland, North Carolina, Orlando, Tampa, Miami and the Everglades.

The conversation is part of the Credible Messengers and Gloves Up Guns Down a program that creates space for in-depth intercaction and conversations with those making a difference and impact in their comminities.

"I was once involved in one of the biggest gangs in the south side of Chicago the gangster disciples as a result of being abandon as a teen and countless acts of abuse that I suffered and the foster care system I chose to turn to the streets. Now I use my past experiences to be the first legally blind Credible Messenger to share what is possible be on any situation the pain comes strength and our children need a real life perspective on what is possible"  Goddest Johnson

Media contact:
 Rucamp@Outlook.com