10: Biker Gangs & Drug Addiction to helping Kids Heal & Grow // The Story of Joe Calendino

Drugs, gangs, and violence represent the dark side of society and have taken many young lives on a destructive path.  Back in the early 80’s one of those lives was Joe Calendino.  Drug use started at age 14, involvement in gangs a year later, and by the time he left high school, Joe had a record of over 300 fights, according to his famed drama teacher.  

Joe’s adult life became marked with time as a full patch Hell’s Angel and a full-blown drug addict, an addiction that almost led to his death in 2006.  Fortunately, from that day forward, events would transpire to transform Joe’s life for the better. 

Through his lived experiences, Joe has the unique ability to connect with youth to educate, inspire, and mentor them to avoid the same path he took.  It is the reason why the Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative exists, and why its programs are so essential in today’s urban society, riddled by the perils of drugs, gangs and violence.

 

*** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit my website: EricGilbertWilliams.com. ***

Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (eric@ericgilbertwilliams.com), LinkedIn (@ericgilbertwilliams), Twitter (@ericgilbertw), or Instagram (@ericgilbertwilliams).

EP Tags: gangs, violence, youth, drug, help

Om Podcasten

From Rock Bottom to Rockin' It explores personal stories about those who hit absolute rock bottom. Then got back up, wiped off the dust, kicked failure to the curb, and now they’re rockin’ it like you’d never believe. These interviews are intended to inspire, motivate, and give hope and vision to those in their rock bottom by sharing stories, tools, and the resources that our guests used to create their 'rockin' it' moments. Host Eric Gilbert-Williams is a Canadian Entrepreneur who faced hardships as a youth like bullying, learning disorders, drugs, and crime before discovering success through his entrepreneurial pursuits. During his times through these teen social challenges, he found self-esteem and the passion to change his life through listening to the inspirational stories of others who overcame deep hardships to create great success in their lives.