Do you believe that angels walk the Earth?  They walk among us in many shapes and sizes, in many colors and speak many languages. One of these angels is among us in the soul of Nelson Rivera.

            Born in Brooklyn, New York, Nelson’s early education was shaped in the school of very hard knocks. Life was not easy but through it all he persevered and overcame the challenges of whatever life could throw at him. And persevere he did.

            Nelson took the lessons he learned from the streets and the lessons from having less than others and shaped that into something positive. Throughout his life he has made a difference in the lives of many people, though he would never take credit or look for recognition for any of his good deeds.

            When asked by a homeless man in his neighborhood for something warm to wear to fight off the winter’s cold, Nelson took the man to his house and gave him a coat, hat, scarf and gloves, then bought him something warm to eat. When asked by a strung-out teenager for money for food, Nelson asked the young man if he would like to get clean. The young man said yes. Nelson made a few phone calls and in an hour’s time this young man was on a bus to upstate New York to be placed in a treatment center. When asked, Nelson’s response is not only to dig into his pocket for spare change but also to dig into his resources to see what he can do to make a change.

            From 1984 to 1992 he was the Co-chair for the Sullivan County AIDS Task Force and during that time he was working at the Abbot House for Children, counseling abused and trouble kids. And if that wasn’t enough he also turned his home into a safe house for battered women. Aside from his affiliation with Friends For Life, he has also recently done volunteer work for the Heritage of Pride and the Imperial Court of New York’s, Night Of 1000 Gowns.

            While faced with his own life situation and finding a lot of time on his hands, Nelson decided he needed to do more with his time and thought about his late friend Michael Anderson, who was a member and volunteer for Friends For Life.  What better way to pay tribute to his dear friend but to take up where Michael left off. So it was off to see Judi Millian and offer his help.  She put him to work the next day.

            Right from the beginning Nelson was filled with a purpose knowing that his time at Friends For Life was helping others.   He looks forward to the days he spends with the clients and staff who have become like family to him. He notes that the clients have really touched him in ways that he could never imagine.  The causes and goals of Friends For Life is something that he truly believes in. He states that, “ if it were not for Friends For Life, many people would not have had a hot meal that day.  And the socialization that takes place is just as important as the meals because it feeds the soul.”

Not only did Nelson take over the kitchen but he also took over the hearts of both staff and clients. His hard work and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed and he was asked to join the Board of Directors.  He accepted without hesitation.

Nelson learned that the gift was in the giving and will admit that he gets more out of his time at Friends For Life than anyone can know. It has given him purpose, fulfillment and a sense of pride knowing that he can at least try to make a difference in other peoples lives.

So if you still don’t believe that angels walk among us, just look into Nelson’s warm brown eyes and you will see the soul of an angel and the heart of God.