Rochester, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis was the keynote speaker for the Villa of Hope‘s “Portraits of Hope” celebration, an annual fundraiser that highlights the successes of people overcoming mental health and substance use challenges
Davis was invited to share his story of resilience on his road to the National Football League. He spent nearly eight years of his childhood in foster care and was also unhoused for a period of time.
BACKGROUND: Ray Davis finds home in Buffalo after a childhood of challenges
Davis said football became his emotional refuge and is now a key part of his mental wellbeing.
“I had to go through a lot of different of stages in life, mentally, physically and verbally,” Davis said. “I just think that throughout all of those problems and hardships that I had to go through, it taught me a lot. And I think being able to give just a little bit of wisdom back to those who want to listen and those who want to help change the stigma of what a system is and how a kid can prevail and make his or her own story. So that’s the great thing about being here today.”
The event also included mocktails and a silent auction that raised money for treatment services for mental health, substance use disorders, special education for youth and in-home community care services.