We previously heard from Nelson, but in episode 7 of Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From, we hear a more in-depth interview when he spoke with Host Tia Ryans. Nelson served a 17-year prison sentence. We hear about Nelson’s journey of what he described as “becoming a man.” From childhood sexual abuse, gang involvement, and his love for God, Nelson reveals how he weaved through all of that as an impressionable man. Nelson Gonzalez is currently proud to be on the front lines as an Aveanna Essex County COVID-19 vaccination site supervisor. Nelson is a Certified Automotive Technician through New Community Career and Technical Institute and is looking to acquire his Bachelor’s in Psychology.

After serving 17 years in prison and being released less than a year ago, he is anxious to give back to his community. Nelson uses his experiences as a storytelling tool to help others with similar experiences. He has already been featured in articles such as Nelson’s Journey by Swoppt and FORTE House Resident Nelson Fights COVID--and Bias--from “The Front Lines” by From FORTE House to YOUR House.

To support the continued work of NJ F.O.R.T.E House and learn more about the organization, visit: njfortehouse.org
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Hiding In Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From is produced by Tia Ryans, Brit Harley, and Dionysus Augus.

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This series is part of the Newark News, and Story Collaborative made possible with funding support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Victoria Foundation. The Newark News and Story Collaborative is committed to elevating community-driven storytelling to fill information gaps in local and national media. The Collaborative trains community members in storytelling, media-making, and other creative art forms to share and amplify their experiences. It’s laying the groundwork for a collaborative network that will address longstanding information inequities in Newark, New Jersey. For more information and to hear local stories, visit newarkstories.com.