CBS 12's Extraordinary People: South Florida barber changing lives at the Salvation Army Center of Hope

Story By: Michele Wright / CBS 12 News
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. -- The Salvation Army Center of Hope is a residential transitional housing facility for formerly homeless males and male veterans. Tara Holcomb is the Salvation Army's Development and PR Director.

Tara Holcomb/Salvation Army PR Director: They are rebuilding their lives, coming off the streets. Trying to build themselves back up to being self-sufficient.
 
She reached out about Alex Gonzalez, an extraordinary person who is a cut above. Every month he volunteers his barber services to the clients.

Alex Gonzalez/Barber, Instructor: The idea is to cut their hair, help them out, motivate them, give them an opportunity to learn barbering. Because barbering saved my life.

With his proud family by his side, Alex feels this is his calling. Being bi-lingual, helping, and teaching others about what he loves to do. Practice is key to learning how to be the best. He relates those principles to life.

Alex Gonzalez/Barber, Instructor: The people here are wonderful...in the months I've been here I can see how they have evolved. I've come in and seen them when they've had nothing and a month later I come in and they say 'Alex I'm leaving I got a job.'

Ronald and Brad are grateful clients at the Center of Hope.

Ronald/Center of Hope: I was down on my luck, came in, got a haircut made me feel better within myself.

Brad/Center of Hope: It makes me feel great. It makes me feel that the community cares. For a long time I was out in the streets and didn't think anyone cared.

Alex's enthusiasm and passion as an artist is contagious. He's says life is a journey. It's never too late to improve, turn your life around or give someone a second chance.

Alex Gonzalez/Barber, Instructor: Barber Bootcamp (AG) is my theme. I would tell them..If you ain't gonna fight for yourself nobody's gonna fight for you.

Looking ahead...Alex dreams bigger to help those many people forget about.

Alex Gonzalez/Barber, Instructor: I really think if somehow one day I could eventually get a barber program inside a prison or something like that, I would really feel accomplished.

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If you know an extraordinary person or extraordinary people making a positive difference in South Florida, email Michele Wright at mwright@cbs12.com or submit your nomination on-line below. We'd love to hear about it.

CLICK HERE to fill out a submission formCBS 12's Extraordinary People: South Florida barber changing lives at the Salvation Army Center of Hope

Friday, February 15 2013, 03:25 PM EST