STEP Success Story by Carla Cox, Program Director
Will is a spirited, smiling, happy person who strives to work hard and bring joy to
others. We first met Will in the Success Training Employment Program as someone
desperate to find an employer to take a chance on him. I can remember his
excitement when I visited him for the first time at his job at Lucky’s Market where he
showed off his name tag and the produce section where he worked. When Lucky’s
announced closures, Will was devastated.
It took several months of searching until he found his next job. Through it all, I was
always impressed with Will’s determination and positive attitude. One day as I was
walking through the hallway I asked, “What smells like BBQ?” Without missing a beat
Will replied, “That’s me! I started my new job a Cecil’s BBQ,” a long-time partner of
United Against Poverty.
Will worked hard to save and budget his money and it paid off in a huge way. That
night he was going to a home where he could shower. The entire time Will was in the
Success Training Employment Program he was living on the streets. We are so proud
of Will as he passed his 90-days at Cecil’s.
