D'elve

Growing up in Philadelphia, D'elve's childhood was fraught with sexual, mental and physical abuse. He internalized guilt, fears and anger, and found some solace in religion. But it wasn't until he began writing down his innermost feelings that he found true peace: the experience became cathartic, and a lifelong writer was born.

D'elve's passion for writing dovetailed perfectly with his religion. Receiving degrees in Theology, he is an ordained minister and founder of Philadelphia's Battle Ground Youth Ministries - an organization dedicated to helping at-risk inner city youth and young adults. Quite remarkably, D'elve took in up to 8 people at a time without any outside funding; he contributed to their cost of college education, clothed and counseled them, helped many find jobs and equipped them with life skills.

Today, many that have gone through D'elve's program have gone onto lead productive and emotionally fulfilled lives. He has become mentor and friend to many - both young and old. D'elve has found that by confronting his past on paper, he has been able to move on in his own mind and heart. Rather than be weighted down by the past, he has liberated himself - and others.

Submitted by Anonymous

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