A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: Savino Rivera Jr. 

Savino Rivera Jr. spends every moment of his vocational life giving back to the community he came up in. He was born and raised in South Bend. He graduated from John Adams High School. After that, he was a student at Indiana University. During the summers in between academic years, he worked with his father, who was a professional in education, at home as part of a bilingual program. The program offered him his initial exposure to interacting professionally with the youth. 

The first job Rivera Jr. took on following his term as an undergraduate was with Ivy Tech, where he operated in the institution’s financial aid department. He later did admissions work at Goshen College, but then he eventually switched to supervising the coordination of his alma mater’s English-language initiatives. He was in charge of helping new learners hone their proficiency in an unfamiliar tongue. His hometown’s Beacon Community Health allowed him to come on as a health educator for some time. Through that role, he’d focus on suicide prevention and smoking cessation. 

Rivera Jr. was also a dean of students for the South Bend Empowerment Zone around the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. His life directed him elsewhere when a friend encouraged him to look into filling a position as the senior club director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor, which is where he currently works. A larger purpose is what continues to drive him further. 

“I feel it’s a vocation to expose our kids to positivity and new opportunities. I don’t know where I’d be if someone hadn’t stepped in my path, exposing me to better things and experiences,” he said. “I want to return that favor, pay it forward, and do good for the kids in our communities. I believe once we do, that’s when we’re going to start seeing the effects of all this hard work pay off. It allows us to have more folks with open minds, more who are open to growth, and more who can be whatever they want to be.” 

When Rivera Jr. had originally heard about the occupation in which he’s presently employed, he was reminded of all relevant and related ads pertaining to his organization he’d seen on TV. He’s been where he is for three years at this point, and his days on the job are made up of after school programming he helps put together. It’s a critical goal of his to ensure children are being met with caring adults who are eager to prioritize their best interests. 

Whether it’s pumpkin design contests, playing games, or taking hikes, Rivera Jr. knows how to keep matters fun. He’s dedicated himself to looking after the betterment of the younger generation, giving them a place where it’s safe. He’ll provide training to make active efforts toward helping the people with whom he strives to create a positive workplace for everybody. 

“I’m mentoring our staff to be the best versions of themselves they can be. I’m making sure compliance is happening, that our kids are having an amazing experience. I do lead a lot of our family-engagement activities, because I want our families to be involved,” he said. “This all is what keeps us busy, and this is what keeps me coming back to work every day.” 

In spite of the weight Rivera Jr.’s roles have added to his shoulders, he’s maintained through the struggles by keeping his past in mind. He’s devoted to his mission because of his personal background. His livelihood wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for his roots. 

“I think about my childhood, and I’m grateful to have had the parents I have. They were both victims of their environments. If someone had cared about them, maybe their stories would have been different, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason,” he said. “Beyond my job, I see the struggle, the pain, and the discrepancies happening. Much of it can be controlled with someone stepping in to say, ‘Hey, do you need help?’ or ‘I’m not going to give up on you.’ Someone did that for me, and it’s now a way for me to be a productive citizen.” 

Personally, Rivera Jr. will always sneak in chances to volunteer and play video games—the two are his main pastimes. Being a father, he likes to keep up with his boys’ soccer events. He and his wife enjoy remaining engaged in all the other doings their children participate in. They all hang out together often, and they make the most of their shared existence as a family. As Catholics, they make room to have devotions together. 

Without Michiana, Rivera Jr. wouldn’t be who he is. He’s lived in the region his entire life, but he’s still in awe of what it has to offer. Reminders relating to the greatness it has in store supplement his perception of the place positively, assisting him in realizing what he’s most thankful for as an inhabitant. 

“I was once convinced I’d get away from here, and I couldn’t have been more wrong about those thoughts. Every day I’m reminded of the beauty of the community, as well as the opportunity that exists. I wouldn’t be who I am in any other state or any other city,” he said. “It’s the people, it’s the geography, and it’s the impact I’ve been able to make. This is my city, and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. I’ve made a difference. One day I’ll die here, and I’m proud to say that.”