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90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making A Difference

Western Pennsylvania has a strong tradition of neighborhood, personal and community commitment. Our pride in pulling together goes far beyond supporting our deep-rooted sports teams. 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference honors the individuals that are making a difference in people's lives on the ground level and reminding us we are all truly a part of each other's lives.This special series, supported by UPMC, will highlight, honor and celebrate Western Pennsylvanians who are unsung heroes daring to make a difference to others in our community.00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770c8000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770ca000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cc000090.5 WESA PA listening area counties:Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Westmoreland, Butler, Armstrong, Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Fayette, Indiana00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cd0000This project is made possible by a generous contribution from UPMC.

Fred Massey, Changing Lives Of Troubled Youths

90.5 WESA | By 90.5 WESA

Published April 11, 2014 at 3:30 AM EDT

Read and listen to a story about Fred Massey as part of a series honoring the individuals who make a difference in people’s lives:90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference.

Fred Massey created a mentoring program that not only changed the lives of so many troubled youths, but also changed his life.

“These kids are still kids, whether they are 18 or 19, they’re still vulnerable coming into a society where they have to find jobs, find apartments, and not be taken advantage of,” Fred said. “But we’re throwing them without the support we would have for kids that would be ours.”

He is referring to many kids who leave foster care at age 18 with nowhere to turn and no guidance. As the CEO of Familylinks, a nonprofit human services agency, Fred has overseen programs that assist families in crisis.