Meet the Face of FACE

Marlo Hargrove Sr.'s journey embodies the transformative power of resilience and unwavering dedication to social impact. As an entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for transformation, his life story is marked by significant personal challenges, including homelessness, substance use disorder, and incarceration. It serves as a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity and building a life dedicated to serving others.

From humble beginnings marked by personal struggles, Marlo has become a beacon of hope for others. His journey of redemption began in 2002 when he completed a one-year treatment program at Recovery King 2. Since then, he has channeled his experiences into making a lasting impact on his community in Baltimore, Maryland. This marked a pivotal turning point, leading to remarkable personal growth and a commitment to community engagement. His entrepreneurial pursuits, commencing in 2002, culminated in significant business success. However, his most profound accomplishment is the founding of F.A.C.E. (Freedom Advocates Celebrating Ex-Offenders), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing crucial support services to formerly incarcerated individuals in Baltimore.

In 2019, Marlo received the T. Rowe Price Baltimore Hero Award for his outstanding program service deliveries, along with numerous accolades from across the states. On May 31, 2019, he received written press coverage in The Baltimore Sun in an article entitled “In Sandtown, A New and Needed Mission for Old Douglass” by columnist Dan Rodricks.

Over two decades, Marlo has tirelessly worked to transform countless lives, offering support, resources, and inspiration. His mission is deeply personal. Having lost both of his parents to alcohol addiction, he knows firsthand the devastating impact substance abuse can have on families. Despite facing homelessness, addiction, and incarceration himself, Marlo earned his high school diploma and became an addiction counselor, which became the foundation for his transformation.

For over 25 years, Marlo has dedicated his life to empowering others to break free from the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives. Through F.A.C.E., he has provided resources, mentorship, and hope to countless individuals, helping them become productive members of society. His personal narrative is profoundly moving. Motivated by the tragic loss of his parents to alcohol addiction, he possesses a deep understanding of the devastating impact of substance use disorders on families. His personal and professional experiences have fueled his passion to empower others. Marlo earned his high school diploma and later became an addiction counselor. He is also certified by the State of Maryland as a Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor, Community Health Worker, and Community Activist. Mr. Hargrove has dedicated his life to assisting individuals in breaking free from cycles of bondage. He provides motivational and inspirational speaking engagements, peer support, mentorship, one-on-one and group sessions, counseling, and reliable resources, offering hope and inspiration to those rebuilding their lives.

As a devoted husband to Sharmaine Rivers-Hargrove and loving father of three daughters and one son, Marlo’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and redemption. His work continues to honor his parents’ memory by inspiring others to overcome their struggles and embrace a brighter future.

Marlo Hargrove, as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of F.A.C.E. Inc., is an experienced professional, visionary, and community leader who creates team synergy through training, motivating, and managing individuals to successfully accomplish goals by extending his personal testimony of reform from a rough past.

Marlo possesses a diverse community service background that includes over 25 years of experience with:

The State of Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Divisions of Correction and Parole and Probation

Faith-based organizations

Community service providers

Additionally, he has held multiple self-esteem motivational and inspirational speaking engagements and workshops geared toward services focused on transitional support and mentoring to help individuals gain self-sufficiency.