Observers

He can be my lawyer anytime.
Hon. Rudolph Giuliani, Mayor, City of New York about Jeremy Del Rio

Generation Xcel provides a valuable service to community youth. I am deeply concerned about the lack of alternative programs available to fill the avoid that would exist [without] Xcel.
Hon. Nydia Velazquez, United States Congress (D-NY)

You are doing such telling work and have achieved this productivity in such a short period. I feel privileged to part of your advisory board. My recent visit to your program site heightened my appreciation. I was struck by the efficient operation: so much impact out of so little space. Urban youth culture so direly needs what Generation Xcel has to offer. You're off to a splendid start! Keep up the great work!
Joe Holland, Esq., former NYS Housing Secretary under Gov. Pataki

The work of Generation Xcel is innovative, impactful, and real. Youth need friends that will love them through the difficult journeys of life - Generation Xcel provides that. Youth need hope for the future - Generation Xcel leads them to that. Youth need a safe place where they can learn, grow, and be challenged - Generation Xcel is that.
Lisa Cummins, President, Urban Strategies; former Associate Director, White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives

Generation Xcel is living proof that neighborhood initiatives can overcome gang lifestyles.
Richard Stanley, Esq., former Asst. U.S. Attorney (SDNY)

The [Xcel] staff's commitment to transforming the futures of peers and children must be applauded, supported, and protected.
Det. Richard Perez, NYPD Office of the Chief of Department

These guys are as effective as any I have seen. Not only are they providing a vital resource and opportunity for youth in the neighborhood, but they are rebuilding troubled communities, one person at a time.
Rev. Nicky Cruz, President, Nicky Cruz Outreach

It is my privilege to endorse the ministry of Jeremy Del Rio. [We have] been doing work with local churches in New York City since the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Jeremy has provided significant leadership and insight into our ministry operations since that time. I have found [him] to be a leader gifted not only with a vision for his community but also possessing the administrative capacity to bring plans into reality.
Chad Hammond, Managing Director of Evangelism and Discipleship Training, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

I've seen Jeremy take on cutting edge assignments and pull them off with passion and professionalism. Bottom line, Jeremy delivers on what God has called him to do. I support Jeremy's revolutionary shift in how the evangelical community engages youth culture. I ask you to join me in supporting, endorsing, and encouraging.
Rev. Wayne Pederson, President, Mission America Coalition

I wholeheartedly recommend the leadership of Jeremy Del Rio and the ministry of Generation Xcel. Your participation with him in his quest to "create demand for, and reason to, hope in communities that long ago forgot what hope is" will reap eternal benefits of lives changed and souls saved!
Rev. Fred D. Lynch III, Urban Ministry Coordinator, Josh McDowell Ministry

In every generation there are those individuals that emerge who are willing to pay the price to make a difference. One of those champions in this emerging generation is Jeremy DelRio. Jeremy makes impressions upon others that are indelible. He inspires, motivates and encourages people to candid review of where things really are and where things should go. This in my estimation is the sign of a true leader. From high level gatherings of critical thinkers, think tanks for emerging leaders, to compassion coalition round tables, I have observed that Jeremy has proven to be a young man with wisdom beyond his years. Though Jeremy can function with excellence with those of reputation, his is also the world of the unlovly, uncouthed, debased and broken. This makes him the man of genuine substance that causes him to excel far beyond the reputations of man. Many champions emerge during times of crisis. True character is found in a man or woman during times of crisis. In a world of crisis and challenge, Jeremy has emerged as a true champion. I'm proud to be on his team.
Dr. Doug Stringer, Founder, Somebody Cares America/International

Generation Xcel is the kind of forward thinking ministry with strong, committed staff who know where they're going and how to transform a generation. [We are] proud to have them as one of National Ministry Partners and we encourage anyone who has a passion for urban kids to support and pray for this dynamic and successful outreach.
Rev. Dean Cowles, President, YouthPartnersNET

Reaching youth in urban centers takes skill, fortitude, love and the grace of God! It takes gifted leaders like Jeremy Del Rio and Generation Xcel whom I am proud to know and partner with. They are building a movement that will not only impact young people in Manhattan but, as they partner with others, it will be a model for urban centers across the nation.
Paul Fleischmann, President, National Network of Youth Ministries

If there were a list of 50 Christian leaders under the age of 40 to watch in the future, Jeremy would be on it. An attorney by training, he brings a wide range of competencies to the work of urban youth development. As a writer, facilitator, pastor and friend, Jeremy develops and sustains relationships that have broad and long-term impact. He is adept and comfortable in high-level situations such as White House consultations, national leadership gatherings, and high-stress relief efforts. At the same time he is skilled and trustworthy with urban youth on the street and families in poverty and crisis. I look forward to his contributions to this nation, and to urban youth in particular, in the coming decades.
Rodolpho Carrasco, Executive Director, Harambee Christian Family Center; Board Member, Christian Community Development Assoc.

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Community

As a single mother from the projects, I'm thrilled that Xcel provides my three girls with role models to look up to.
Carmen Torres, Parent

Building character through leadership has always been the axis to the success of youth development at Generation Xcel. I have personally observed the effectiveness of this success in the lives of young people who are leaders within this program. Many of them overcame gang involvement, generational substance abuse, and lives of crime as a direct result of supervision, leadership development and responsibility building through Generation Xcel.
Wendell Moore, Director of Training, SafeSpace NYC

Jeremy is a strategic visionary who is able to capture the larger picture and also the steps necessary to bring that view into reality. He is equipped to navigate the corporate, political and religious landscape effectively. Jeremy has brought these skills to bear [at] Generation Xcel. It is without reservation that I recommend [him] for your careful consideration.
Rev. Marcos Rivera, Senior Pastor, Primitive Christian Church

Jeremy and the work of Generation Xcel is one of the most strategic ministry initiatives among youth in New York City. I cannot think of a more strategic leader and more important audience than what is represented by Jeremy and Generation Xcel. The entire city of New York would be benefited by your support of Generation Xcel for our youth.
Dr. McKenzie Pier, President, Concerts of Prayer Greater New York

Over the years I have watched with great joy and admiration the development and leadership giftings of Jeremy Del Rio. He is a brilliant young man who has demonstrated his passion for the kingdom of God by leaving all to speak into this generation. He has the rare combination of being a great speaker, profound thinker and a person of action. I highly endorse him and his ministry.
Rev. Joseph Mattera, Pastor, Resurrection Church of New York

Jeremy Del Rio is a trusted friend with many gifts and talents. His innovative thinking and passion for young people are definitely displayed through Generation Xcel. Not only have I come to greatly respect and appreciate Jeremy's accomplishments, but I am thankful to call him a brother and co-laborer in the service of the Lord.
Pastor Adam Durso, Executive Director, Youth Explosion Ministries

Jeremy Del Rio has a list of accomplishments that is remarkable. Two years ago, Jeremy left his position as a corporate attorney to dedicate his life full-time to the youth in NYC. His ministry has grown exponentially in the last ten months alone and the programs that are emerging from it promote a revolutionary shift in how the larger evangelical community engages the youth culture.
Rev. James Esposito, Director, NY Christian Resource Center

I like to associate myself with winners and Jeremy Del Rio is a champion. His work with Generation X-Cel and the young people of Lower Manhattan is a knockout! I will continue to be in his corner and do all I can to encourage and endorse him and his work as long as I have a voice in the community.
Chris C. Frederick, Producer, GOD SQUAD & Telecare TV

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The Visionaries

Xcel has taught me responsibility and discipline. Gratification comes when children simply say 'Thank you!' for giving them hope.
Carl ("Rollie") Barnes, founding member (at 20 yrs. old)

Xcel helps me help kids stay off the streets. We offer choices, teach kids to excel in school, and become friends for life.
Ling-Mei ("Ling") Garcia, founding member (at 15 yrs. old)

Xcel gives children a chance to experience family and know that people care about them without expecting anything in return.
Celeste ("Celle") Lopez, founding member (at 16 yrs. old)

Xcel is about change in individuals' lives. It is a privilege that Xcel trusts me to lead kids by being an example of change.
Luis Velez, founding member (at 19 yrs. old)

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Media Coverage

God Squad, May 2003
Power of a City at Prayer (InterVarsity Press), Sept. 2002
HOY newspaper, collaboration with Safe Space, 2.12.2002
CBN, profile, 10.2001
Fox 5 and UPN 9, "visit from Rebecca Lobo", 8.2001
Youthwalk, "Speak Out:Generation Xcel," by Luis Velez, 10.99
WNBC, "Live at Five," reported by Gabe Pressman on 8.4.99
Crosswalks Television, "Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Giuliani", 6.30.98
WNBC, "Live at Five," reported by Gabe Pressman on 1.12.98
NY-1, reported by Annika Pergamente throughout the day, 1.12.98

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