Nearly a decade ago, Carl Phinney had a bold dream: “empowerment through opportunity.” Carl was recently released from prison and had found a good-paying job in the construction industry as a flagger. Flaggers are workers who protect the safety of a construction site by managing the speed of traffic and overseeing the site. The job …
As with most things that are good, whole, and the way nature intended, my month began and will soon end with Beyoncé front and center. I had the great fortune to attend the GRAMMY Awards this year and see her take the stage as she received her 32nd golden gramophone – making her the GOAT …
The REDF Accelerator brings together 18 passionate leaders from social enterprises across the country to share best practices, gain tactical advice and problem solve to improve their businesses and long-term employment success for the individuals they serve.
JaShawn is a woman on a mission, paying her experience forward in a big way. After struggling with substance use and unstable housing for years, Cara, a REDF-supported social enterprise, provided her with the support and coaching she needed to fulfill her potential. Today, with a master’s degree in social work, she is a Youth …
After spending 15 years in and out of prison, Pablo began working at REDF partner Goodwill Silicon Valley determined to turn his life around. Four promotions later, Pablo is the Re-Entry Programs Manager, providing mentorship and hope to men and women who’ve served their time and are ready to start a new chapter. Pablo’s story …
Before she turned 15, Celena had overdosed six times. By 18 Celena had been incarcerated due to drug issues. Experiencing homelessness, and convicted of creating, distributing, and consuming meth, the legal system “wanted to make an example of me,” she says. And not a good one. “I was young and had gotten into some big …
“We do recover.” That’s the simple, profound message Jolena shares with the women she works with as Peer Support Specialist at the Bridges to Change – Grounded Transitions Program in Portland. As a peer support mentor, Jolena provides assistance to 10 women living drug-free while they get their lives back on track. From helping them …
At age 16 Yehiah, the youngest of five, was living in Waltham, Massachusetts. With all of his siblings in college that seemed like Yehiah’s path, too. Then the economy took a downturn, his family fell on hard times, and he says, “My grades dropped and I started hanging out with the wrong people.” It would …