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Moving Ahead At A “Sweet” Pace

Aug 03, 2017 • by BCPS 'A Life Improvement Business'
“I choose to overcome adversity today.”

After serving time in a state prison, Hector was released to the Wernersville Community Corrections Center (CCC) while he awaited a home plan. He was referred to BCPS for Workforce Development programming in August of 2016. From the beginning, Hector was committed to improving his life and wanted to be able to help support his mother and son. He successfully completed all sessions on employment readiness, resume writing, personal finance and tenant education.

After attending a BCPS Returning Citizen Career Fair, Hector was hired by Sweet Street Desserts where he has worked full time for close to a year. In his role as a production worker he has had excellent reviews and has received four pay raises. Hector has been a model employee and sets an example for other returning citizens. His supervisor at Sweet Street told us that, “Hector has a will-do attitude.” The phrase that Hector uses every day at work is “I choose to overcome adversity today.” 

Hector continues to receive case management and once employed, he began attending individualized coaching sessions with our Financial Program Coordinator. Hector created a budget, opened a checking and savings account for the first time and has begun to save money! Hector was approved for housing assistance through BCPS, and last April, he was able to move out of the CCC into an apartment.  Hector has a new outlook on life as he works towards financial independence and continues to strive to meet his personal and financial goals.

He is grateful for the support and assistance he received from BCPS and wanted to share what it has meant to him. 

“BCPS has been such a positive influence in my life. They have provided hope, guidance and encouraged me to stay on the right path. You can’t always do things by yourself and I’ve learned to ask for help. I’ve learned to change the way I think and no matter what, I keep a positive attitude. There’s always going to be trials in life and opportunities to make a choice. BCPS was there for me and has pointed me in the right direction. I’d like to encourage other returning citizens to take advantage of the opportunities BCPS provides and learn from them. You have to put in the hard work, be patient and take responsibility. Change is difficult, but not impossible. If I can help change another person’s life, I’ll consider that a reward!” 

We are so proud of Hector’s hard work and achievements and wish him continued

success. Thank you to Sweet Street Desserts for providing a second chance and opportunity for Hector to improve his life and make a difference in our community. Obtaining employment is vital to the success of returning citizens who are working to become productive members of society. We are grateful to have employers, such as Sweet Street Desserts, who partner with BCPS to help improve lives and strengthen our community.

To learn more about BCPS reentry programming, volunteer opportunities and how to support our efforts, please visit our website. Our next Returning Citizens Career Fair will be held on Monday, October 9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Learn more at berksconnections.org

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