Charm City Dreamers

Van Brooks is the founder and executive director of the Safe Alternative Foundation for Education. He was a three-sport athlete who, at the age of sixteen, broke his neck while attempting to make a tackle. As a result of this injury, Van was initially paralyzed from the neck down, unable to talk, eat or feel. In spite of such a tragedy, Van did not let this stop him. He went on to graduate from Loyola Blakefield and later from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications; all the while still working hard at therapy, making a miraculous recovery. Van was recently appointed as Director of Governer's Office on Service and Volunteerism. We hope this story inspires you to overcome your toughest obstacles.