Introduction

Alex Betances, Co-Owner, Star City Boxing

I would like to give a special thank you to Professor Laurie Grobman of Penn State Berks and her students in her English class who dedicated their time to make this book possible. 

As one of the founding owners of Star City Boxing in 2017, I knew immediately the positive impact the gym was going to have in the immediate neighborhood keeping our youth positively occupied and off the streets, but I underestimated the potential we had to reach kids from all over the county. It’s a beautiful sight to see the diversity among our members and getting them all to buy into our philosophy - that no one is more important than anyone else, and we are all here to lift each other up, a family culture.  

Within this book you will hear stories from several of our coaches, our athletes, our volunteers, and our community partners. Without their dedication and physical, emotional, and mental sacrifices, none of this would be possible. I am so grateful for them.  

Being located on Schuylkill Avenue in the 6th Ward of Reading, probably the toughest part of the city, allows us to reach some of the most at-risk youth, and we are up for the task. I hope that in reading this book, you are inspired to help others in need, get involved in your immediate community, and understand the importance of volunteering. Any amount of your time will go a long way.  Most important of all, never lose hope in yourself, our youth, or anyone else. It is never too late to make a change in your life no matter your age or any adversities you have had to face in your life.