"Rev. Ricksy is a very special person in my life," Felice says, "he is truly a saving grace."

Felice met Rev. Ricksy in 1988 when she attended one of his substance abuse groups. "He welcomed me with open arms," she remembers, "I attended church that next Sunday and have been there ever since."

In 1990, Felice was two years into her recovery when, recognizing her potential, Rev. Ricksy offered her a job in the preschool. Felice worked as an assistant teacher and remained a devoted and caring presence for almost 17 years. "I loved working with the children," she says, "they are so special…they are funny little people who always brighten your day."

Booker T. has been "a home away from home" for three generations. In addition to working at the preschool, Felice attended the adult education program and earned her G.E.D. Her daughters, Lateesha, Naimah, and Zarinah, and her niece Lamarra have attended the preschool and after-school programs. Zarinah and Lamarra are currently enrolled in New Generation, the college readiness program.

Felice's granddaughters are also a part of the Booker T. family. Lateesha's daughter, Trinity, has graduated from preschool and is now in the after-school program. Another granddaughter, Teia, also attended the preschool. Teia and her mother, Felice's daughter Laquinta, now live in Buffalo but when Teia visits she attends the summer program.

"My family and I have been blessed to know Rev. Ricksy and Kim Wright and our extended family at Booker T.," Felice says, "and I give thanks to God every day that Rev. Ricksy was there when I needed him most…Thank you, Rev. Ricksy for being such an inspiration to me and my family!"