PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An urban cowboy who calls Philadelphia home is using his craft to help his neighborhood, and they came to his rescue when he needed them most.
Malik Divers started Concrete Cowboys Hope for Youth 15 years ago right in the heart of Southwest Philadelphia.
"Teaching kids and giving kids the feel to be a part of a horse is a great thing for them, they loved it," he said.
Divers says no matter the adversity he faces, the success stories of kids who go though is program is something that keeps him riding.
"I had a kid, it was hard for him. I taught him about the horses, when he left he went into the Army. Now he's home, he's taking care of himself," Divers said.
He believes bringing kids around horses gives them the feeling of having responsibilities, such as grooming the horses, and most importantly, it gives them something to do in their free time.
Last summer, he was close to losing his program and horses when the city told him he had to leave the vacant space where he housed them.
But he was able to find a new home right in Bartram's Gardens for his two horses, Sonny and Shadow, and it's not far from where he already was.
"It makes me feel real good. I can bring more kids in," he said.
Divers is now taking steps to expand his program and his stable.
