William learned about 70×7 Life Recovery about six months ago and came to our Holland office looking for some help and direction. A juvenile “lifer,” he was incarcerated at age 16 and spent 31 years in prison before he was released. He had no work history and a significant charge on his record and was having a hard time finding employment. What William did have, however, was a faith-filled relationship with God which he found while incarcerated and a great attitude despite challenges he faced.
William first started coming to Serving Together at our Holland office – volunteering to do whatever work was asked of him around the church building. Our Changes classes were being relaunched in Holland at that time by 70×7 Relationship Manager, Wendy Dreese, and William enthusiastically enrolled and never missed a class. Wendy along with the church mentors from Serving Together walked along side William, coaching him and providing one-on-one teaching. The Serving Together mentors also offer a weekly Bible study; William excelled in this group and became a role model to other participants.
After graduating from Changes, William would still come to offer encouragement to new participants. He continued to work on himself to grow and strengthen his soft skills developing new ways to approach situations and new ways to voice thoughts. In “mock” interviews with 70×7’s Employment Services Manager, Ken Franks, he practiced applying these skills. Throughout, he always had kept a smile on his face, no matter what challenges came his way. He was always offering to help others and doing what needed to be done without being asked.
Finding an employment opportunity for William was not easy. His past charges would often disqualify him due to an employer’s policies. Even when he had a great interview at a local restaurant with a manger who went the extra mile for him, corporate policies held him back and kept him from the job. Still, William persevered with his faith in God and positive attitude and was recently given an opportunity to start work at a new 70×7 employer partner. 70×7 was able to set him up with the steel toe boots he needed as well. He’s using the skills he learned at 70×7 when he runs into struggles and can now resolve conflicts with grace.
William still stops by 70×7 for a dose of moral support and to encourage others a well. Prayers for continued success and growth for William!
– Cheryl Wyma
