First-generation American John Carridice is using his own experience as a troubled youth to help young men between 14 and 20 years old who are struggling with addiction.

Born to Jamaican parents, Carridice is the 10th of 11 children.

As Acacia's Promesa RRSY's assistant program director, Carridice says his goal is to make sure that these kids become sober and get the education and transition back into the community to become productive citizens."

Promesa is a one-of-a-kind resident rehabilitation program in the city, and it is part of the Acacia network.

The hands-on, bilingual treatment facility is specifically designed to help teens and kids who are struggling with addiction get back on their feet.

Twenty-year-old Lewis Rodriguez came to Promesa from Rikers Island.

He earned his GED through the Restart Academy, which will then transition into work or trade school. It was done while learning to identify triggers, reconnect with family and find ways to cope.

Rodriguez says Carridice motivates all the residents and treats them like family, not like clients.