Peacebuilder Jose is Helping Alfonzo Reach his Dreams
Hi, my name is Jose Gonzalez, and I’m a COMPASS Peacebuilder. I want to share a bit about my journey and the work I do with youth like Alfonzo.
When I first met Alfonzo, I saw a lot of myself in him. We both grew up in Hartford, have a passion for sports, and have faced challenges in our lives. But more importantly, I saw the potential in him—potential that, with the right support, could shape his future in amazing ways.
I grew up in Hartford’s Dutch Point neighborhood during a time when gang violence was a part of everyday life. My two brothers were in rival gangs, and home wasn’t a peaceful place. I lost one of my brothers to gun violence, and I could have easily ended up going down the same road.
But I was lucky. A youth leader in the community saw something in me, and with his help, I chose a different path. I focused on school, sports, and building a better future. That decision saved my life, and I want to give the youth in my community the same opportunity.
Today, I’m a Peacebuilder and a family man—a proud father of two daughters and a husband. This has shaped how I connect with the young men I work with, especially when talking about responsibility, respect, and stepping up as men. When I speak with Alfonzo, we don’t just talk about sports or school; we talk about what it means to be a man, to take care of those you love, and to build healthy relationships.
I want him to understand that life is more than what happens in the moment—it’s about the future you create for yourself and the people who depend on you.
When I first met Alfonzo, he was driving his friend’s car without a license. One of the first things we worked on was getting his driver’s license. I helped him study for his permit test, and when he passed and got his license, it was a proud moment for both of us. It wasn’t just about the license—it was a step toward showing him how to take control of his life, make responsible decisions, and set goals for his future.
Alfonzo has big dreams—he wants to go to college, and we’ve talked about what it will take to get there. We’ve set goals and created a plan, and I know he’s capable of achieving every one of his goals.
He just needed someone to believe in him and show him the way. If he had been born in a different zip code, it would have been much easier for him to achieve these dreams. He will have to work harder to overcome barriers, but I know he can do it.
I talk to Alfonzo about healthy relationships and how to carry himself with respect and dignity, not just for himself but for the people he’ll encounter throughout his life. It’s about becoming the man he wants to be, not just for today but for the long term.
I believe in Alfonzo, just as I believe in every young person I work with. They all have the potential to change their path, and it’s my job to guide them toward that brighter future.
Hartford is a city full of potential and strength, and through the work we do at COMPASS, we’re building a stronger community, one relationship at a time.
Please consider supporting COMPASS Youth Collaborative today. Your donation directly impacts youth like Alfonzo, helping them reach their full potential and create a future they can be proud of.
Thank you for being a part of this important work and for believing in the future of Hartford’s youth.
Thank you from Alfonzo, me, and all the young people COMPASS serves.
Wishing you and your family all the best,
Jose Gonzalez
COMPASS Peacebuilder
