After his release from incarceration, Chris entered the Goodwill Kentucky Aspire to Recovery program, a recovery and reentry workforce initiative designed for justice-involved Kentuckians recovering from opioid and substance use disorders and transitioning back into the community.
Chris said he originally planned to leave Louisville and return to his hometown of Covington, but a housing loss changed his plans and led him to complete the program orientation.
“My thoughts were, ‘I don’t want to stay in Louisville,’” he said. “But I ended up staying and doing the orientation with Aspire to Recovery. I was thankful I did that. I learned about all the resources and everything that could be done for me.”
Through the program, Chris received rent assistance, transportation support, including bus passes and a bicycle through the Last Mile to Work program, and financial stipends after securing employment. He worked closely with his career coach, Alex, who continues to meet with him regularly.
Chris now works part-time at Dollar Tree due to ongoing health challenges related to congestive heart failure and says he is focused on maintaining stability and continuing to move forward.
“Alex gave me confidence to be all I want to be in life,” he said. “Before everything, I wasn’t working, I was on drugs, living off the land. Now, confidence has helped me. I can do anything I put my mind to.”
Since joining the program, Chris has also advanced through Phase II: Reintegration. He is currently saving money to secure independent housing and continue his recovery journey.