Roots in the Ground: Aaron Rivas

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Aaron Rivas, an outreach leader with New Life Centers, serving Chicago's Little Village community. Aaron shares how a life-changing moment at a funeral, seeing his own name on a young victim's casket, led him from church pews to street corners. He discusses the remarkable 75% reduction in shootings his community has achieved, the challenges of working with heavily armed teenagers who trust him enough to call at 3 AM, and the success stories like a former mentee who went from near-death experiences to directing his own organization.

Aaron explains how the Latino community's unique dynamics differ from other neighborhoods, the importance of having "roots in the ground" rather than just "boots on the ground," and how the SC2 initiative has expanded their team from 6 to over 30 staff members. Through candid discussions about trauma, the peacekeeper program, and the ongoing struggle to get local businesses to invest in their own community's youth, Aaron demonstrates how authentic love and consistent presence can transform lives in one of Chicago's most vibrant yet challenged neighborhoods.