Chance to Rebuild
Because of you, David’s life is forever changed.
At age 25, David was convinced that his life would never amount to much. After a troubled childhood with obstacles he could not overcome, he committed four felonies and was in and out of jail. When David finally decided he needed to make a change, a job coach was the answer to his prayers. It wasn’t an easy road, and it wasn’t quick – but now just six years later David’s life is better than he could have ever imagined.
The last felony conviction left him incarcerated for multiple years. After serving his time, he knew he didn’t want to go back but he didn’t know where to start. He started looking for a job. David had struggled with severe anxiety all of his life, and now trying to return to society it had grown even worse. Holding down a job and pursuing opportunities was overwhelming to him. That’s when David met his job coach. His coach met him where he was in life and worked with him to overcome his challenges.
David received help with communication skills, job training, and eventually he even enrolled at the local community college and got a degree! The degree helped him qualify for new job trainings and eventually landed a job that he loved. And to David it was not just a job — but a career.
Even with all this progress, one obstacle still remained – transportation. He lived close to his job but it was still a 30-minute walk each way. His job coach introduced him to the Ways to Work program. Here he had a financial coach to walk alongside him to apply for a fair-interest car loan. After hard work and diligent prep, David was approved for a vehicle loan.
After purchasing his first car, not only could he get to and from work, but he could also go out and do more in the community instead of what he describes as “being a hermit”. David’s favorite part about having a car of his own, is being able to go for a drive and enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s also opened his eyes to what is possible for his own life. After paying off the car loan, David and his coaches are now working towards the ultimate American dream – to purchase a home of his own.
“I learned so much in the Ways to Work program – it’s all led me to where I am today and helping me purchase a home”.
Because of you, David had the support he needed to overcome his obstacles and make his second chance in life count.
You were the difference in David’s life. Without you, he might not have made such progress to building a better foundation for life. Thank you for being a light in the middle of his dark time. Right now there are people, who much like David, need someone to walk with them through their crisis. Because of you and your support, help and resources are ready and waiting for a neighbor in need.
Learn more about the Economic Resource Center programs at HumanKind by visiting here.