Participant Stories

When Anthony thinks about home, he can still picture the haze of the Pittsburgh skyline and smell the faint trace of steel in the air. He grew up in Hazelwood, a neighborhood defined by grit, resilience, and community. “It smelled like sulfur and eggs,” he recalls. “As crazy as it sounds, that smell was comforting to me. I knew I was close to home.”

At 56 years old, Daniel isn’t just driving a semi-truck for a living – he’s steering his life in a whole new direction. A full-time truck driver, a father of two, and a man who has rediscovered purpose and peace in his heart, Daniel can finally say that he’s happier than he’s ever been.

At 35 years old, Cameron has already lived many lives – survivor of childhood trauma, street kid, father, prisoner, and now, electrician. Cameron's story isn’t one of overnight success (his transformation was anything but easy), but with the help of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and a union mentor, Cameron found more than just a job – he found a career with purpose.

After spending four decades behind bars, Arthur is now living a life he once thought was impossible – one filled with freedom and hope. Released from incarceration just eight months ago, Arthur says that because of support from organizations like the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and the unwavering love of his wife of 45 years, he now has a fair chance at a good life.

After seven years in prison, Cory returned home to Fresno with little confidence and big responsibilities. But everything changed when he connected with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). From transitional work to full-time leadership, Cory’s journey is a powerful example of growth, stability, and the impact of fair chance employment.

After serving time and suffering the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Richard returned home to the Bronx determined to rebuild his life. With the support of reentry programs like CEO and The Fortune Society, he turned a transitional job into a permanent union position, earning the trust of his employers and the pride of his family.

One word resonates deeply when you listen to Brian’s story: stability. This thread weaves through his childhood dreams, professional endeavors, and current challenges. It is also the very thing that remains out of reach for too many justice-impacted individuals striving to rebuild their lives.

When Ronald “Ron” walked out of prison in 2023 after serving seven years, freedom was supposed to mean a fresh start. But instead, it felt like running into a wall.

Samara’s story is one of courage, transformation, and the pursuit of ordinary happiness. At 32, she has already survived a life that would break most people; however, thanks to her determination and the support of reentry organizations, Samara is now using her experiences to uplift others on their path to recovery.

Within his first week home, he paid for OSHA 10 training out of pocket from the $200 gate money, unaware that the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) could have provided it at no cost. Soon after, his probation officer referred him to CEO Buffalo, where staff told him about the union pre-apprenticeship program. He decided to give it a shot.

My name is Sergio. I am a formerly incarcerated firefighter. My experience with fighting fires gave me purpose when I had none. Standing shoulder to shoulder with my crew, facing walls of flame that seemed impossible to overcome, I found something I never expected in prison: pride in protecting communities and saving lives.

Joshua first heard about Emerging Leaders Program from his manager, who encouraged him to apply. “I appreciate his belief that this would be a valuable step for my professional development,” he said.