"All of my needs were met so I could focus on my next steps"

Billy came to FareStart hoping to begin a new chapter in his life. After learning about FareStart’s Adult Culinary Program during a time when he was experiencing incarceration, he enrolled as soon as he was eligible to gain the tools the program had to offer, including life skills and job training. 

“The structure the program provided helped me to stay focused. I didn’t have to worry about where I was going to stay, all of my needs were met so I could focus on my next steps. The ‘continue to move forward’ part of FareStart’s mantra is something I told myself every day – I even put it on my phone for when it powers up,” he said.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Billy continued to focus on his goals and kept in touch with his FareStart case manager. He quickly became employed at a bakery and secured an apartment. He graduated from his program virtually in August 2020. Since graduating from the program, Billy used the skills he learned in resume writing to help him in his next career move to his current position working at a warehouse.

When asked if he had any advice for current students, he said, “Take each day one day at a time. It can be overwhelming in the beginning, but set realistic goals for yourself and just continue to move forward.”