Remembering man who helped youth, incarcerated population reach path of success
WEST PHILADELPHIA - He single-handedly helped save our streets – Doctor Tom Reid started the NOMO Foundation, which stands for New Options, More Opportunities and the program provides young people with a safe space to break the cycle of poverty and violence.
Tuesday night marks one year since Dr. Reid passed away. The community gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.
Big picture view:
A symbol of unity and remembrance, black and gold balloons, were released outside the NOMO West Community Resource Building and the Tom Reid Village Transitional Housing for Homeless Youth on Lancaster Avenue. Tuesday marks one year since Dr. Tom Reid passed away.
His widow, Theresa Reid was moved to tears over those who came out to honor and remember her late husband. "For you all to be here to celebrate him I'm just so honored. It's a privilege. I know that people were touched because of my husband's life."
She spoke to the crowd of young people, supporters and formerly incarcerated whose lives Dr. Reid changed.

She said, "He was a person that gave inspiration. He was very encouraging."
The backstory:
Dr. Reid started the NOMO Foundation, and he had a passion for helping inmates in need of transitional housing and skills upon re-entry.
Vice President of Restorative Justice of the NOMO Foundation, Dawan Williams, said, "He came inside the prison and gave people a chance. He met you where you was at and we get choked up talking about it."
HONORING A WELL-LIVED LIFE:
Rickey Duncan organized the celebration of life for Dr. Reid. Duncan was his mentor and passed NOMO on to him in order to continue to grow the foundation and continue the mission.
Duncan is still emotional over losing Reid, and credits Reid with saving his life, "If I can do anything else today other than this, just to hold him, be there for him, I would. God knows best but I'll tell you this. My recidivism rate was very, very high and I haven't looked back since I met him."

What's next:
Theresa believes her husband is watching over Duncan and the life-saving work he’s doing in his honor and memory. She said, "He's saying to Rickey, ‘Rickey go ahead son, go ahead son. You're doing just what I want you to do.’"
More information about NOMO Foundation can be found on their website, here.