Frank Gilmore has spent the last three years working to improve his community through its children.

Now, hes getting some help from a famous friend.

Gilmore, the founder of the Educational Gilmore Community Learning Center in Jersey City, was featured in a segment promoting Ellens Greatest Night of Giveaways a three-night prime time special on NBC that started Tuesday in which Ellen DeGeneres and her celebrity pals deliver special gifts to some amazing people who are doing some unbelievable things.

The segment aired during Tuesdays broadcast of Ellen.

DeGeneres sent actor Michael B. Jordan to Gilmores community center on Monticello Avenue earlier this year to surprise him with two years of free rent and another $50,000 to fix up the community center.

Stunned and teary-eyed, Gilmore later said: To have someone to do that for me and the community center is a true blessing.

Gilmore, who was profiled by The Jersey Journal last year, was arrested dozens of times as a child and young adult. After losing his mother just 12 years old, he bounced around foster homes and eventually turned to dealing drugs.

In 2004, he was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for drug offenses.

You name a drug, we sold it, Gilmore told Jordan as they walked the streets of Jersey City during the segment. Theres so many people I hurt in this community, so it was extremely important to give back to this community. Definitely.

While in prison, he vowed to turn his life around. Mission accomplished.

Gilmore now works for the citys Recreation Department where hes affectionately known as Coach Woo." He opened the community center three years ago to give local kids a place to do homework, get tutoring, play video games, and just simply hang out.

Jordan, who grew up in Newark and has since stared in the Creed franchise, brought Gilmore to Lincoln High School for a heros welcome from the school community. But Jordan had one last surprise for the former Lincoln student, presenting him with a 12-passenger Mercedes Benz van for the community center.

This is just great, man. This is beautiful right here, man, Gilmore said while sitting in the drivers seat. Everyone that was (integral) for them to be here and see the reward, this is huge right here.

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WATCH: Ellen sends actor Michael B. Jordan to give Jersey City activist the surprise of a lifetime - NJ.com