Hubert Lila
Brooklyn Community Services, Director of the DYCD Fatherhood Program and DOP NeONWorks Programs
Born in New York City to immigrant parents from Trinidad, Hubert Lila grew up in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, the fifth of six children. Both parents were hardworking and exemplified that old Caribbean stereotype of having three jobs. Yet as a youth, Mr. Lila struggled with the ideals of hardworking parents in comparison to the fast money “crack” culture of the 80’s that permeated his community. In December of 1993, Mr. Lila was involved in an altercation with a group of men, which led to the death of one of the men. A fateful incident that would forever change his life, Mr. Lila would spend the next 20 years in prison. It was then that Mr. Lila made a conscious effort to transform his life. During his incarceration Mr. Lila would successfully obtain his Bachelor of Science in Business, followed by a Master of Professional Studies. Moreover, he accepted a work assignment as a GED instructor in the institution’s educational department where he personally assisted hundreds of men to earn their GEDs. In addition, he also facilitated anti-violence therapeutic programs as well as working in the Youth Assistance Program with at-risk teens. Also while incarcerated, Mr. Lila chaired several prison based organizations, such as Community Minded Organization, Caribbean African Unity, and the Inmate Liaison Committee. During his incarceration Mr. Lila was determined to cultivate essential skills that would aid and assist his professional development. Once released, remembering the lessons and values his parents tried to instill in him as a youth, Mr. Lila secured employment at the Fortune Society, a non-profit organization that works to successfully reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals into society. While there Mr. Lila would quickly come to embody his parents’ hardworking nature by holding three jobs: Resource Coordinator for Employment Services, Mentoring Coordinator for the Project Compass Program, and captain of the Crisis Incident Team. Mr. Lila then went on to coordinate the Queens County Reentry Task Force, a partnership of the Queens County DA, NYS DOCCS, and fifteen community based organizations. Today, Mr. Lila is the Director of the DYCD Fatherhood Program and DOP NeON Works programs at Brooklyn Community Services; and continues to volunteer for the Nassau County D. A.’s Community Outreach Program (COTA) helping formerly incarcerated individuals make a positive reintegration into society. Hubert remains grateful for the opportunity to assist underserved fathers and justice involved individuals. “In the field of Human Services, we are blessed to witness miracles every day, where people grow, change, and transform their lives. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn alongside them,” said Mr. Lila.