BOYNTON BEACH, Fla./EWORLDWIRE/July 4, 2008 --- On the one year anniversary of his daughter's tragic death, former Arizona Cardinal and three-time NFL Pro Bowl Offensive Tackle Luis Sharpe is back doing what he loves to do best - helping those around him improve their lives. At the Arizona State Prison Complex Eyman/Cook Unit Luis Sharpe is working as a Peer Educator teaching his fellow inmates about the consequences of drug use and giving them tools and materials to improve their lives. His own background gives him a unique advantage in this work, and he is no stranger to the system.
What many people don't know is that Sharpe had successfully recovered from years of substance abuse and had been reaching out to the community with his work at the Salvation Army. It was only after the brutal murder of his daughter that Sharpe relapsed into drug abuse and ultimately returned to prison.
FromHeretotheStreets' Joseph Chiappetta suggests that knowing what resources are available to get life back on track and to plan for a better future are critical to any inmate's future.
"Sharpe is one of 20 Peer Educators at a facility that houses over 1,000 inmates. His daily duties involve distributing materials related to the Prevention of Transmitting Hepatitis-C and HIV, Transitional Reentry, Employment, and Small Business Opportunities. He also reaches out to young offenders with a message of hope and positive behavior," states Chiappetta
"Sharpe's life is one of inspiration and redemption. He came to the United States from Cuba at age 6, earned a scholarship to UCLA, and played in three Pro Bowls. His personal successes are often forgotten in light of his personal failures. Despite the skepticism and the violence and drug abuse that makes up the prison environment, Sharpe is back at work leading by example. He is drug-free, hard working, and fighting to change the lives of those around him. On or off the field, men like Sharpe remind the public that change is only a matter of choice and that everyone can make a difference when failure is turned back into success."
Chiappetta put together FromHeretotheStreets to give people reentering the community, their families and friends, and prison workers nationwide vital information, tools, and resources to ensure that they have the best chance for success with pre-release, re-entry, employment, and other transitional related issues.
From Here to the Streets.com
Joseph L. Chiappetta Jr.
1-800-641-5964
(Cell) 561 -445-6333
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