I would describe my childhood as decent and easy until I was fifteen years old. My mother raised me in Harvey, IL. My parents divorced when I was six. I wanted to be grown and make decisions on my own. Before fifteen, I sang in the church choir, played basketball, football and wrestled. After fifteen, I let that stuff go. I thought being a social butterfly was more important than sports. I rebelled by breaking curfew, hanging out on streets with friends. I never got involved in gangs. But I drank, smoked pot and engaged in sex.

I was aware of the choices I made. I was street smart. I chose to drop out of twelfth grade with 19 out of 21 credits. I had my first daughter at fifteen; she is now 21. I have three other children, and I am very proud of all of them.

My mom made sure I worked at sixteen. I worked in all the fast food restaurants. I also worked for my mother in her business; she owned a thrift store.

There were four boys in our family, but I got the most attention. Mom kept me with her. Being close to my mom, showed me how to be more responsible. She took the time to introduce me to responsible and inspiring men. They became important role models in my life. Mom was a hero, she really was.

At twenty-two, I moved out of my mom’s place and lived in a studio in Uptown. I had my own place and became a manager at Burger King. I got focused. Paying bills and supporting my children was important to me. Later I would work in a warehouse, move into a one bedroom apartment and buy a car. I was proud of myself. I was not penitentiary bound. I was a dedicated worker.

My world tumbled down in 2000, when I was convicted of manslaughter. I regret this very much now. I did not intend to kill someone, just confront him.

I knew I was going to jail. At Cook County Jail, I prayed for forgiveness. At the penitentiary I went to all church services, all the education services. I earned my GED, and received certificates for computer literacy, cleaning, and sanitation. I also learned how to manage my anger. Now I meditate everyday. I think about where I was. I think about my kids being taken away from me. Nothing is more precious than my freedom. I was released May 2, 2006.

I came to Howard Area Employment Resource Center a week after my release and started the Fresh Start Program. My Probation Officer told me about the program.

Within a week of starting Fresh Start, I had lined up a job with Loyola Student Movers. At the end of my training in the Fresh Start Program, the staff helped me find a job working for an ambulance company that transports Dialysis patients. I started out cleaning and taking care of the facility. A year later I have been entrusted to be their Office Manager thanks to the skills learned at the Howard Area’s Employment Resource Center.

I feel proud of myself and glad that my boss believes in me and trusts me.

I feel like I am living my prayers. I have a wonderful job, I’m lead singer in a Reggae Band and I am close to my family again. My father told me that he was proud of me. Man that is good to hear.

Advice I would give folks starting out in Fresh Start—stick with the program. Set positive goals, go for them and never give up. Stay away from people who curse your blessings. Don’t allow negativity in my life. Things happen for certain reasons and you’ve got to keep moving forward. I’ve been through the fire but I survived. Now, I live in the present.

Life is full of chances. Sometimes we need someone to give us a chance—to trust us. Ex-cons can be the most dedicated employees. My boss is very supportive. I have shown her that I am dedicated and trustworthy. In a year I have never been late and have only called in twice. I am very thankful to the Howard Area Employment Resource Center for offering me the opportunity to participate in its program. If I didn’t come to Fresh Start, I wouldn’t have a fresh start. Now I call Charles (program manager) out of the blue just to say, "Thanks man."