JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — We see many people get caught in the vicious cycle of crime.
But there are some examples you can look towards—if you think there’s no chance to escape the life, there is.
Two men with different lives have the same goal to help others.
Dana Miller, owner of the Man-Cave Barbershop was standing feet away when a drive-by shooting on A Phillip Randolph and Pippin Street killed one man and injured several others back in October 2018.
He and another man were caught up in the lifestyle—but found different routes to escape it.
“My question is, do you want to win or just look good losing?”
Dale Rodriguez’s definition of winning is grinding every day, to make a better life for himself and his two children.
The 40-year-old was a convicted felon but got his civil rights restored in 2008.
He now has an IT job and works with Florida’s Felons Rights Restoration Coalition.
“Unfortunately, I got caught up trying to make some fast money, no excuses, just it was my responsibility for doing so," Rodriguez said. "But for me, I got out, simply because I left Florida and found a better economy."
For Rodriguez, a steady job was his wake-up call.
For Dana Miller, owner of the man-cave barbershop, he says it was God that changed him, after horrific moments.
“My brother was murdered in the streets, I’ve been shot up 10 times in the streets, I’ve been to prison for 10 years because of the streets.”
Miller shares his experience through his mobile barbershop and a newly started non-profit called Cut One Teach One, mentoring kids and giving haircuts to those in need.
Miller spoke with us months ago after a mass shooting on the Eastside.
His message remains the same.
“I want to tell these young men and women to stay out of the streets because it will kill them, but I just want to preach hope, and Jesus is hope to me.”
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor for children can sign up here.