Cory left prison in March 2023, ready to start a new life in his hometown of Fresno, California. But after seven years behind bars, he said he lacked much-needed self-confidence.
“I was kind of down on myself, and I really didn’t think I’d be able to find a job,” Cory said.
Then, while attending a Parole and Community Team (PACT) meeting, which connects supervised populations with vital resources needed to get back on their feet, he was introduced to the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). Two months later, he secured transitional work beautifying highways. He says it was just the win he needed to keep going.
“Working for CEO got my hopes up,” Cory said.
“They welcome everyone with open arms, like a family, and it felt great.”
Cory’s work ethic soon earned him the attention of his site supervisor, who nominated him for CEOs Emerging Leaders Program, a 12-week paid internship in which participants receive job training and mentorship to build marketable and high-demand skills. He trained to be a crew coach at CEO, eventually taking on the supervisory role and overseeing a team of eight people, earning roughly $1500 every two weeks.
“I taught them the safety protocols of working on the highway, how to watch each other’s backs and work as a team, and that nobody is bigger or better than anybody else out here,” Cory said.
The pay increase enabled Cory to move out of his mother’s house and into an apartment. The new role and responsibilities also introduced him to strengths and talents he never knew he had.
“I learned that I could be outspoken, more vocal, and that I just knew how to treat people with respect and decency,” Cory said.
That realization of his own potential soon made him hungry for more responsibility. When a part-time position as a site supervisor opened up, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I interviewed for the job, and then I got the job,” Cory said.
“Now, I oversee job sites, make sure my crew is following safety protocols, communicate with my director and the California Department of Transportation about what the job of the day is going to be, and make sure that, at the end of the day, everyone gets home to their families.”
Soon after, Cory transitioned to full-time work, earning an even higher and more stable income. He bought a car and started managing his finances more responsibly. Today, he can pay his bills regularly and on time, and still has money left over to take care of his five children.
“Before I went to prison, I was so used to just spending and spending because I was just getting money illegally,” Cory said.
“But today I can pay my bills, handle my priorities, and enjoy life with my kids.”
Cory’s job at CEO not only gave him financial stability, but also the confidence, self-respect, and pride that often come with being a leader.
“Hearing someone say, ‘Hey, Boss,’ seeing my name on my office door, or having a business card with Site Supervisor on it, feels great,” Cory said.
“But being able to work with people who are where I was not too long ago, to motivate them to keep going and work hard, and to serve as an example of what they can achieve, feels even better.”
Today, Cory intends to continue growing as a leader at CEO, eyeing a potential future role as an Operations Lead, then perhaps a job coach or job specialist. One day, he hopes to earn enough to afford a house for himself and his children.
“I want my kids to have their own rooms, their own stuff, and a backyard where we can host holiday events,” Cory said.
“The skills that I developed at CEO, and the work that I do there, are going to help me get that.”
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