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November 29, 2023

Participant Stories

“Best moment of my life”: Dion reflects on apprenticeship graduation

Reflecting on his graduation this past summer from the Building Futures Program, an apprenticeship program for the construction industry, Dion said that having his father present meant everything to him.

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November 15, 2023

Participant Stories

“Exceed everyone’s expectations:” Reggie finds new purpose with Hilco and CEO

Philadelphia Hilco Crew Site Supervisor Ella Saunders can’t help but sing Reggie’s praises. “Reggie serves as an inspiring example of personal growth and determination to positively impact society,” says Saunders.

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October 31, 2023

Participant Stories

Chris finds security in earning CDL: “That means everything to me”

It’s been a year of accomplishments for Chris, a former participant at the San Jose office of the Center for Employment Opportunity (CEO). He has not only completed a year of employment post-incarceration, but he also earned his Commercial Drivers License (CDL) this spring.

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September 25, 2023

Participant Stories

Reading His Way Into Success: Joseph’s CEO Leadership Program Journey

Joseph is a big reader, completing dozens of books a year. He shares that his two favorites are The Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Rouk, historical novels that tell a sweeping story of World War II, but he says he’ll read almost anything

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September 18, 2023

Participant Stories

A New Chapter: Sha-Ken's Advocacy Leads to Landmark Legislation

Sha-Ken recently realized a dream he never imagined was possible: he helped pass New York state legislation that will positively impact people with past justice-involvement like his.

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August 23, 2023

Participant Stories

Turning Passion into Action: How an Advocacy Program Lit Azariah’s Flame

This spring, Azariah performed a prestigious rite of passage: he spoke at the graduation ceremony for a program he’d been a part of called the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC).

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August 11, 2023

With new position, Mattie leads in helping others succeed

Mattie L. is a program delivery associate at CEO Oklahoma City who helps people in the same situation she was in just a year ago.

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May 30, 2023

Participant Stories

CompTIA training reunites Brian with his passion for IT

Brian is proud of everything that he has accomplished in the short time since he was released. He says that CEO and the CompTIA training have given him the support to help him get back on his feet and on a path toward a career.

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May 26, 2023

SNAP Assistance

Congress Should Change SNAP benefits that Penalize Returning Citizens Who Work

I'm one of the lucky ones. After serving over 20 years in prison, I thought my most vital necessities - food and housing - were lost.

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May 24, 2023

Participant Stories

IT Training program provides new opportunities for Allen–and his dog

Allen didn't just have himself to worry about at home—he had Max, his new dog. "He suffers from such bad separation anxiety when I'm gone," Allen said. "Every day I'm going to work, I have a little camera in my living room for Max. I call it my Max cam."

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May 16, 2023

Participant Stories

With IT training, Jerel invests in a future for his family

Jerel is part of a new advanced training opportunity through the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). Through this program, CEO financially supports participants through information technology (IT) training that should lead to a well-paid career.

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April 11, 2023

Participant Stories

Walter breaks the cycle and is helping others do the same

Once coming home, Walter had researched organizations that could help him gain employment. This is when he came across Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), and began to feel excited and hopeful about the next phases of his life.

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