After graduation in May, we asked Josh to tell his story. He showed up the week we launched and began working at Procter and Gamble less than a month later. The following is what he wrote:
“POWER: A small but impactful program that grows with every completion. Touching communities and individuals alike with a song of change and new hope. Calling people to believe in themselves as we believe in them, as God believes in us all. Although not a faith-based program, these classes speak volumes of Gods’ love and Grace for us all, that we can become so much more than where life has taken us, and what the world says we can or cannot be or achieve.”
“Mine is a story of God going before me, and preparing the way.”
“I was at the bottom. Newly criminalized in the eyes of the world, and looking hopelessly at the limited opportunities now available to me as a felon. I didn’t know classes like this existed, I didn’t know there was help to be had, because I saw only what is seen, and forgot to also look at what is unseen.”
“I was handed a pamphlet with the name, “POWER”, at the top, and a bit below, “forklift training”. I was excited, but also when new opportunities arise it’s hard not to be daunted as well. By the Grace of God I called the last day of sign-ups. I was invited to come in that same day and have a small interview before I was accepted, and I was accepted!”
“2 weeks with wonderful people, who have seen the struggle, who know what it’s like for those that have no wiggle room left. Classes brimming with information, (some not needed, just for appreciation sake), but worth the time it takes for the awaited graduation. For me, it was somewhere to be, new friends to make, new skills to learn, and affirmation in a future brighter than what I had first glimpsed through the sleeves of a box I once believed myself to live in.”
“Thank you to the volunteers, the companies and the people of and associated with POWER, for following the passions of your heart and for leading the way for a better future. You’ve changed my outlook and the outlook of so many others. You’re impact here will be your greater reward hereafter.”
– Josh
Maybe you are like Josh or you have a loved one in his shoes. Check out website to see the next Power Course and register today. It might just change everything.
