Championing Our Children!
Our Founder...
Brian Kelly Rice was born in New Castle, PA where he graduated from New Castle Senior High School. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Navy and honorably served for over twenty-four (24) years attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his tenure he visited over 50 countries, visited 6 of the 7 continents, and lived in Adak, Spain,Bahrain, and Italy.
Upon retirement Brian returned to his hometown area and enrolled in Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Community Ministry. While at Geneva and at 43 years of age, he was chosen as a walk-on for the Geneva Golden Tornado basketball team for the 2012 - 2013 season. During the season Brian's passion for ministering to young adults was evident as he played an integral part in the mentoring of his teammates.
In addition to his Bachelors from Geneva, Brian also holds an Associates degree in Biblical Studies from the International School of Ministry and a Masters degree in Social Work from Youngstown State University. Brian has a Certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University and a Certification in Social and Emotional Learning and Character Development (SECD) with a concentration in School Leadership from Rutgers/St. Elizabeth University. Brian currently holds the position of SEL Facilitator for over 700 middle schoolers in the New Castle Area School District. Brian also coaches the boys’ junior varsity basketball team and the junior high girls’ basketball team for the New Castle Area School District.
Brian’s Son of the City (SOC) nonprofit organization is known throughout his community for hosting one of the largest back-to-school events in Lawrence County. SOC partners with the New Castle Area School District and several local agencies, churches, businesses, and nonprofits throughout the community to service an average of 700 students and their families during his back-to-school events. Brian is also the founder of The Queen’s Foundation. The foundation, in honor of his late wife Marquita “Queen” Rice, looks for opportunities to educate and assist youth and young adults as they pursue personal growth and training in the arts.
Brian is the Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist church in New Castle, PA. He is widowed and has two daughters: Brittany Rice of Virginia Beach (PSU graduate) and Zoe Rice (Kent State student).
Retired Navy Chief Brian Kelly Rice
President/Founder
Our Values...
Our Vision
To be a "Dream Incubator" for our youth!
Our Mission
To inspire and empower our youth to follow that “little voice” to their God-given destinies.
Our Core Principles serve as the blueprint through which we empower youth to discover their “Why” and they are as follows:
Padawan (Learner)
Just like George Lucas’ “Star Wars” franchise “Jedi’s” we believe strongly that the “Mentor-Mentee” relationship is vital to our youths’ development. This dynamic will be the vehicle through which we will provide the nurturing environment necessary to pursue their dreams.
Perseverance
We believe that while everyone is born with a dream, the choppy waters of life cause most to give up their pursuit. We will provide youth the direction necessary to navigate through these vicissitudes of life and continue on to their dreams
Passion
We believe that if we can ignite their passion, our youth will pursue their dreams and goals with an unquenchable enthusiasm.
Purpose
We believe that we are all a part of a larger plan and that there is an innate drive within everyone to discover his or her part in that plan. We will help youth find their purpose and use it as a source of focus when pursuing their goals.
Potential
We believe that everyone is created with an inherent ability that is unique to each individual. This gifting is designed to serve as the vehicle in which each of us contributes to our community.
Son of the City is a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in New Castle, PA 16101.