Graduation is more than a milestone, it’s a turning point, a moment when someone decides to believe in themselves and step into a new chapter.

This past Thursday, we had the joy of celebrating the graduates from the Accelerated Life Skills Training and Trade Certificate program. We celebrate these individuals not just for completing the program, but for the courage they’ve shown in rewriting their futures. Every cap tossed into the air represented a life reclaimed, a goal reached and a story still unfolding. These graduates stand taller today because of your support, your compassion and your belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

As they move forward, we hope you’ll continue walking alongside us. Together, we can help even more individuals write their own success stories.

William’s Story

When we signed up for this class, I don’t think any of us expected the challenges we had to face. Some of these challenges were small and some were big (like math), but we overcame them and here we are ready to move forward.

The days I spent in this program will be with me for the rest of my life. The bonds made are well worth the awkward introductions. We learned things we assumed were beyond our capabilities and grew exponentially because of it.

None of this would have come to fruition without the pillars of this program and the people working behind the scenes. For example, the cooks with their great food and bright smiles, the care team, and classroom instructors. I cannot forget our respective trade teachers and mentors who have taught us our new crafts which will help us grow and eventually teach the next generation after us. To our families who were there for us when we took notes and work home during long study nights, thank you.

As we look into the horizon, into our hopes of the future, we all see how we can use our newfound skill and trades to provide for those we love. It will change our lives for the better. With all that said and done, I wish all of my peers, teachers, mentors, and cooks the best. Stay strong, we’ve got this.

Donate Today to Create More Success Stories

Thanks to support from generous donors, last year we graduated 289 individuals, which made a profound economic impact. In 2025, we put over $15M back into the economy with an average salary of $18.74/hour. In addition, we estimate that we save the community over $6.5 million in the first year after graduation through reduced reliance on SNAP, HUD assistance, healthcare costs, and treatment programs. Economic gains, such as increased payroll taxes from steady employment, complement these avoided costs. The cost savings grow year-over-year as individuals maintain employment, avoid incarceration, and reduce their reliance on public assistance. In addition, our recidivism rate was 3.82% against the national average of 83%.

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