In 2015, a young professional in the community became deeply concerned about the youth living in the South Central District of Los Angeles. He watched as these kids were getting shot on the streets and were being successfully recruited by violent gang members. They didn’t have a safe place to just hang out and they lacked any sort of positive role models. These youth were headed down a road marked by poverty and criminal behavior.
It was then that this young professional, Cedric Bello, founded Sin City Raiders Foundation (SCRF). He began simply by inviting a handful of young guys to play football in an old dilapidated field located in the back of a local church in Compton.
As word spread, more students came looking for any kind of positive outlet, a listening ear and a safe haven from the world around them. Cedric recruited his friends to help out with putting together fundamental rules for youth sports, as well as helping these kids with their homework.
7 years later, SCRF has funded programs for more than 2,100 kids each year through structured and exceptional academic, arts and athletic programs and has a small community space located in the heart of this still impoverished and underserved community.
Cedric is still very involved at SCRF, serving on the Board of Directors and continuing to mentor and guide many SCRF alumni.
