Bertell Pays It Forward in New Port Richey

Meet Bertell, an employee of the City of New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center. Hopeful and optimistic, 18-year-old Bertell gathers school supplies for students who are hard of hearing. He also participates in the after-hours tutoring program at Gulf Middle School's advisory council. You will also find Bertell helping at special events and fundraisers within his community.  

When working at the recreation center, Bertell can be seen making deep human connections with the public. He goes out of his way to make guests feel welcome and to ensure a positive experience.   

Bertell does his work because it is his way of giving back. As a child, he experienced transitional homelessness. Community efforts, like the one he is involved with today, provided him with food and shelter when he needed it the most. Bertell expressed this healing experience as "taking a negative and turning it into a positive." When he needed a supportive community, he had one. Now he provides that support for others in need.  

Bertell feels hopeful and inspired by the happiness that can be brought to individuals when they can lean on community support. Community is at the heart of Bertell's work and future goals. He plans to attend college, majoring in political science, to develop the skills needed to work in the non-profit sector. His dream is to continue spreading the seeds of hope that his community instilled in him.   

Bertell's message to us is, "Be conscious of your neighbor. I don't think we think a lot about community. At a young age, we are taught to think about ourselves and maybe our family. If you take time to get to know your friends and make new friends, ask how you can impact that person." A reminder that community is a beacon of hope.   

Volunteering fuels the joy and optimism Bertell feels every day. We leave you with his words, "Better days are absolutely ahead if we continue to help one another."  

Do you know someone who is making a difference in our community? Nominate them to be featured in our #BeMoreKind series to help spread kindness across our community!