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National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise
Achievement Against the Odds
March 13, 1996 |
On March 13, 1996, the National Center
for Neighborhood Enterprise (N.C.N.E.) hosted its fourth Achievement Against
the Odds Awards, honoring low-income people who have overcome adversity
to improve their lives and their communities. N.C.N.E. is a nonprofit organization
that provides training and assistance to grass-roots organizations serving
low-income communities. It also promotes partnerships between businesses
and community groups in low-income areas. The winners for 1997 are:
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Florence Ponziano
(Austin, Texas)
provides a home for poor children and teen mothers. Besides offering food
and shelter, she teaches responsibility and the need for children to aid
their communities. |
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Peter Brawley
(Chicago, Ill.)
found refuge from the violence of Chicago’s notorious Cabrini Green housing development in a tumbling troupe for at-risk youths. He is now the assistant coach for the troupe and provides counseling and mentoring for neighborhood kids. |
Lucy Esquibel
(Los Angeles, Calif.)
a former gang member, works to improve public-housing developments in the Los Angeles area. |
Pete L. Jackson
(Washington, D.C.)
turned his life around by joining the Alliance of Concerned Men, an organization
that helps to keep young men away from violence and drugs. He is now the
Deputy Warden of Programs for the D.C. Department of Corrections, and provides
guidance for imprisoned fathers. |
Omar Jahwar
(Dallas, Texas)
began a gang intervention program called "Our Vision/Regeneration," which has helped hundreds of at-risk youths through spiritual guidance and practical opportunities. |
Jamie Kelly
(Tampa, Fla.)
was a mother at 14, and became addicted to cocaine. After spending time
in jail, she returned to school, regained custody of her children, and
now assists others seeking self-sufficiency. |
Frankie and Velma Tyson
(Minneapolis, Minn.)
have transformed their neighborhood from a drug- and crime-ridden area
into a safe and thriving community. They provide counseling for substance
abusers and run a drill team for under-privileged children. |
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For more information, contact N.C.N.E.: Tel.: 202-331-1103; fax: 202-296-1541. |
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Florence's Comfort House
