Don Bacon: “I rise this morning to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring a dedicated community leader from our district…”

“I rise this morning to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring a dedicated community leader from our district, Alberto ``Beto'' Gonzales, whose work with the youth of our Hispanic community serves as a shining example for current and future generations. Mr. Gonzales grew up in the Hispanic neighborhoods of South Omaha but, unfortunately, fell into drugs and alcohol and was part of a street gang by the age of 11. At the age of 23, Alberto met Sister Joyce Englert, who helped him learn about Christ and get off drugs permanently. As a result, Beto committed his life to helping youth. Beto runs youth drug and alcohol treatment groups, outreach with schools, and served as a Boys Town crisis hotline counselor. Today, he serves as an Omaha Police Department gang prevention and intervention specialist and a youth counselor for the South Omaha Boys and Girls Club. Through these efforts, Alberto Gonzales has touched and changed the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of youths in the Hispanic community. Alberto gives credit to God; his mother, who always prayed for him; Sister Joyce; and the many educators and professionals who encouraged him along the way. ____________________”