When actor Victor Rivas Rivers took to the stage at the Respite Care luncheon, the hundreds in attendance saw a handsome, confident movie and television star. His credits include Zorro, Havana and The Hulk. But Rivers held the audience spell bound as he told of his violent upbringing that left him with brutal physical scars. For the first 15 years of his life, Rivers endured horrific child abuse, witnessed domestic violence and suffered personal torture at the hands of his father, a Cuban immigrant. When he was only six years old, he tried to stop his father as he savagely kicked his pregnant mother in the stomach. His brother Robert was born severely brain damaged and only lived to age of nine. Amidst this violent upbringing, Rivers defied the odds and went on to become senior class president and attended Florida State University on a full four year football scholarship.
"I wouldn't be here today without the angels and advocates who stepped in and saved me, "said Rivers.
"We've all heard it takes a village to raise a child. I was raised and rescued by my village, those in my community who took me in as a foster child and gave me a sense of self worth. They made me believe I deserved to be loved," Rivers said. "I had joined a violent street gang as a form of survival. There were some in my neighborhood who thought I couldn't be saved, that the cycle of violence in my life couldn't be broken. But with love and nurturing, miracles are possible."
Rivers was speaking to the supporters of Respite Care of San Antonio. 22 years ago Respite Care was founded to help provide relief to local families who were caring for a child with special needs. Today Respite Care continues that mission with a Day Care program and Mother's Day out. But Respite Care's responsibilities have grown to include serving as an Emergency Shelter and Foster Service for children in crisis. Respite Care is the only place in Texas that takes in special needs children who have been removed from their parents. 22 children at a time live at the Davidson Respite Home where their receive love and support . Respite Care provides care for children from birth to 18 years with special needs.
At the luncheon, philanthropist Harvey Najim announced a gift to Respite Care. Named for one of San Antonio's greatest child advocates, the Tracy Wolff house that will house foster families while they train to care for children with special needs.
"Sometimes it takes so little to make a difference in someone's life," said Rivers. "My 8th grade teacher made me realize I mattered. You are giving that fit to the children in your care." Following the lucheon, Rivers signed copies of his highly acclaimed memoir A Private Family Matter."
