DULUTH - Al Sands is well–known around Duluth for his knockout punch in the ring, but he's quickly becoming known in the community for his big heart. "Growing up I really didn't know there was a lot of this type of thing for kids that was going on around us. So, it's really good that I can take what I’ve done and just turn it into something that the kids can look forward to," said Al Sands, a pro boxer. Sands has been spending time at various youth centers like Woodland Hills, Northwood Children’s Services, and Life House, teaching kids life lessons. He can relate, because he went through similar things in his childhood. "At 18 months I was adopted from Haiti. I grew up here in Duluth, got into a little bit of trouble and middle school and then went to foster care," he said. Places like Life House help at–risk youth become healthier and more positive people, something that's not always been there for them. Sands said, "There are a lot of people that are kind of looking down on them just because they don't have some of the strong, core values that a lot of other kids do." And the need for role models like Sands is becoming more important with each passing day. "I think on any given night we're seeing 75–100, 125 homeless kids with no place to sleep, no place to go. There are not a lot of emergency beds out there and not a lot of affordable housing in the area," said Kyle Naalsund, Life House’s housing case manager. Sands hopes each visit builds a stronger today for a better tomorrow. "Keep your head up and don't listen to the naysayers and always chase your dreams," said Sands.