About the Book
Several years ago, a young man approached Robert and wanted to know the secret to getting himself a “phat” ride like Robert’s new Mercedes. When Robert told him the secret was hard work, the boy actually listened and appreciated the advice. At that moment, Robert realized that countless children, teenagers, and adults are walking around-lost in a culture of darkness-and he needed to do something about it. He partnered with writer and publisher Corey Blake in April 2006, and From the Barrio to the Board Room was born.
Released in February 2008, the book has been endorsed by mayors and state representatives, utilized by universities, high schools, middle schools, battered women’s shelters, foster homes, and social services and youth groups. It has been profiled in major media, including WGN and Univision, and print publications such as La Raza, Hoy, and Hispanic
From the Blog
From the Barrio is available to work with your school or program. There are no cookie cutter solutions to keeping kids out of gangs, off drugs and in school. We are here to serve you in working with these kids. Join the ranks of others we are partnering with such as:
- Roosevelt High School
- Evergreen Middle School
- Wells High School
- Morton West High School
- Aurora East High School
- The Illinois Welcoming Center
- Swedish Covenant Hospital
- Aurora University
- Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities
- Aurora Police Department
- Family Focus
- Mutual Ground Battered Woman’s Shelter
- Aunt Martha’s
- Jesse Torres Boxing Club
- Morton Freshman Center
- Morton Alternative School
For more information please call Robert directly at (312) 933-5619
TheCurriculum
The From the Barrio Foundation is currently working with Chicago Public Schools to design and implement a curriculum around From the Barrio to the Board Room that is being rolled out in May of 2009. Additional schools are also singing up and the team is dedicated to ensuring that the curriculum continues to grow.
learn moreyour stories
submit yourstory"After reading From the Barrio to the Board Room last May, Mary quit her job in July and started her own private practice." "I was afraid but I read his book and it inspired me, and I thought, "I can do this," and then I started to put my plan into action."- Mary McMillan Clinical Social Worker
