Looking for a little new year inspiration? Well here is a heartwarming story for you!
This ABC7 local story of an ex-gang member from Huntington Park completely turning his life around, and now giving back to his community is exactly that inspiration you're looking for.
The story highlights how Michael Lopez of Huntington Park has spent the past six years feeding the homeless of Skid Row. Lopez has served five prison terms, and he told ABC7:
"I asked God: 'clean me up, clean me up and I'll do what you want me to do. This is what he blessed me, with a non-profit which is Mission E.C.H.O., ex-cholo helping others."
Lopez also told the local Los Angeles network that his turning point in life happened when he was behind bars. "I got tired of going nowhere. I was in prison when my mom died," said Lopez. "I wasn't able to come home for the services. Stuff hit me hard, I just got tired."
Lopez took his life experiences and is now helping those who live on the streets by handing out food, clothing, etc. His life experience - what he describes as hitting rock bottom also guided him back to school, where he graduated with both a bachelor's and a master's. He graduated from Argosy University in 2014 with a master's degree in Forensic Psychology and currently works at the Orange County Mental Health Association
ABC7 adds that he is able to help those in need thanks to the donations he receives from all over the country and with volunteers from all over the state.
Watch ABC7's heartwarming report below:
PHOTOS: Courtesy of / via ABC7