I barely graduated from Maple Heights High School. I got into the University of Akron, but I made a dumb move that affected the rest of my life. I got caught in a robbery. Nothing I can say to defend it. I was around the wrong influences, with wrong ideas.

In prison, I learned from my mistakes and became a better man. But when I got out, looking for jobs with a felony was discouraging. I remember coming out of interviews teary-eyed, even for the simplest jobs! One time, all 50 interviewees were accepted but me – because of my record.

I was at The Word Church when I saw a Towards Employment brochure. I was waiting for something like this! In the Networks 4 Success workshop, I found people to inspire and support me. They helped me say, “That is who I WAS, but this is who I am NOW. I’m sorry for what I did. I am not that person anymore.”

Towards Employment sent me to the Cleveland Industrial Training Center. I learned basic machine skills like set-up and programming. Three weeks before the class ended, I got a full-time job at Profile Grinding. With this job, I can hone my skills and get credibility. After 3 or 4 years, I can go back and get my degree and become a manufacturing engineer.

Getting a job changed me tremendously. With money coming in, I can give back. I am feeding the poor, handing out clothes at my church, helping people out … and when I bump into people with a felony I always keep the TE number in my phone. I share my testimony with others.