Charles Rivers works in the Upstate Office as a Program Associate with the Near Westside Peacemaking Project. An alumnus of SUNY Empire State College, he later earned a graduate degree in Human Service Counseling: Criminal Justice from Liberty University. Charles is also a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor through the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse and holds a Family Development Credential through the University of Connecticut. Charles has been recognized by various community agencies for his commitment to community service and is the current President of Syracuse Inner City Rotary Club and the Program Coordinator for PEACE, Inc. Southside Family Resource Center. Charles leads by example in emphasizing to at-risk youth and an impoverished community the importance of education. In his spare time, he loves to play chess, fish, and spend time with his family.