What kid doesn't want a mentor who break dances, has turntables in his living room, identifies with hip hop culture and is passionate about social justice? Holy Chea's gifts as a role model for youth include all this and more.

 

Holy's relationship with NLF began when he was selected as a Whitworth Act Six Cadre One scholar. While attending college in Spokane he mentored and taught break dancing classes to youth. After graduating from Whitworth with a B.A. in Communications in 2007, Holy began work as Assistant Program Manager of NLF's Evening Center. He wanted to work with youth because he felt that he had been blessed with a great opportunity and support and thinks "everyone deserves that."

 

Holy says that working with Evening Center participants and staff has been a blessing. "[It's] challenging, definitely, but rewarding too.

It has impacted me as far as seeing what my priorities are as a role model and as a citizen in the community." His commitment to the city continues to deepen through his work with NLF. Holy says, "I would define NLF as a 'Heartbeat of Tacoma'. NLF strives to reach the people in the city and connect them with resources that will benefit not only them, but impact the community. NLF to me has always been about building relationships with others, and working from there."