Dear Editor:
Until the last days of his life, Harvey George worked tirelessly to serve those who needed him the most. He founded Friends of the Lifers Youth Corp in 1992 with a big heart and abundant determination to help the formerly incarcerated transition back into society and reclaim their dignity. Since then, his nonprofit organization has become a fixture on Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City, touching countless lives with the message that second chances are possible.
Whether it was providing access to employment through community gardening, assistance with housing for the formerly incarcerated, or supporting individuals in their entrepreneurial endeavors, Harvey executed his ideas for community improvement with infectious joy.
Unfortunately, Harvey passed on over the weekend. His impact on my own life, however, will never be forgotten. When my co-founder Alex Forrester and I moved to Jersey City, Harvey was one of the first people we met. He welcomed us into the community with open arms, and over eight years, taught us to love the neighborhood and people he cared so deeply about. He inspired and encouraged us in our journey to transform lives and communities through entrepreneurship. Without this incredible man, Rising Tide Capital’s mission and work would not have passed from theory into action.
If Harvey’s life and commitment to the people of Jersey City has made any impact on you, please consider making a donation to Friends of the Lifers to assist with covering the cost of his funeral. Any contribution you can make would be greatly appreciated. To make a donation visit http://friendsofthelifers.com/donations.html. It is still shocking and hard to believe he is gone. But one thing is sure – his spirit lives on in each of us, encouraging us to love and serve regardless of our circumstances. May he rest in peace and may each of us live life to the fullest and not take a minute of it for granted.
Our deepest condolences to all of Harvey’s family members.
Sincerely,
Alfa Demmellash
CEO, Rising Tide Capital