The Rivera Memorial Foundation, Inc. provides families of all backgrounds the opportunity to enroll their children into quality, affordable programs. The Rivera Memorial Foundation, Inc. exists first and foremost to develop the full human potential of its participants by fostering their intellectual, social, economical, emotional, moral and spiritual growth. On May 10, 1990 Firefighter Heriberto “Eddie” Rivera and fellow firefighter Howard Hughes, were killed when their engine lost its brakes while heading to a false alarm and slammed into a tree on West Main Street. Shortly afterward, family and friends began gathering at what was then West Dover Street Park for picnics and other events held in the men’s memory. Thus, for the over twenty years Maritza Rivera (widow), family, and friends of Eddie, have continued in Heriberto’s memory, a tradition of selfless giving to the youths, Latinos, and general community of Waterbury. Therefore, in an effort to address the growing needs of the youths, Latinos, and other residents of the city of Waterbury, several grassroots Associations have come together to form a non-profit corporation for the purpose of maintaining and continuing the memory and spirit of one of its dear friends and neighbors who was tragically taken from the community, in honor and memory of Mr. Rivera.