Wesley spent 28 months in prison and wasn’t sure where to turn for employment after he was released.
While at the Men’s Addiction and Recovery Center in Bowling Green, Wesley graduated from our Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day (RISE) Program, which embraces the second-chance community and promotes self-sufficiency.
It took some time for Wesley to open up and build trust in the program, but now, he’s working as a wireman making $25 per hour with help from our career-path professionals.
“It’s unbelievable, the difference in my life,” he said, “not just financially – mentally, emotionally, just the attitude that I carry each day. Genuine care for the people around me. I learned that I can’t do this thing alone. That was my attitude for the first 38 years of my life, that I didn’t need anybody’s help. That led to destruction, really.”
Wesley is also taking part in a dental program that will provide him with dentures by the first of the year. And he had some advice for individuals who may be in the same boat he was in.
“Just let go, man,” he said. “Whatever it is that you’re struggling with, there’s definitely people out there willing to help you and push you in the right direction, and all it takes is for you to let them. My world is so much better today than it was, really at any point since I’ve been an adult.”
The RISE Program is offered in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Pikeville. If you’re in need of these services, contact us at [email protected].