Former residents of a Norwalk housing complex gathered at a reunion event Friday to share their stories of success.

The former residents, who lived in the complex during the 1950s, say the Roodner Court public housing complex was a tough neighborhood to get out of due to drugs and crime in the area.

The reunion at the Double Tree Hotel in Norwalk included people that went on to become politicians, pastors and a retired member of the Airforce.

The individuals who attended the reunion say they are living proof that they left all of the negativity that they saw growing up behind them and made better lives for themselves. They hope others will follow suit.

Organizers say they will give out a scholarship at the end of the reunion. It's going to go to someone currently living in the community who has dreams of becoming a vet.