Brent’s Success Story

After facing severe health challenges, Brent was unable to work, leading to overwhelming hospital bills and eventually homelessness. He persisted, remaining hopeful despite numerous setbacks, and continued to apply for jobs with the help of an employment specialist at St. Joseph the Worker. On December 15th, Brent finally secured employment.

Though relieved to secure employment, Brent currently lives at a men’s shelter and faces the barrier of having no access to a car. He ended up walking over an hour home after his late-night shifts, as the bus lines were closed by then. When SJW provided Brent with a bicycle to address this obstacle, he was grateful beyond measure and felt a wave of optimism as he realized his life was finally taking a positive turn.

As Brent’s health improved and he settled into his new job, he found himself eager for even more opportunities to thrive. Brent embarked on a quest for additional employment to further improve his financial situation with the continued support of a SJW employment specialist. After a series of interviews, Brent landed a job as a bus driver at Keolis, an SJW preferred business partner. He saw a significant increase in his hourly wage to $21 per hour and was offered access to benefits with his new position. Despite his new role, Brent continues to pick up occasional shifts from his previous job in order to save money and move out of the men’s shelter.

With reliable transportation now at his disposal, Brent realized he no longer needed his bicycle. Recognizing the struggles of his fellow shelter residents, he decided to pass on his bike to a friend who faced similar transportation challenges, spreading the blessings that had come his way. As Brent looks to the future, he eagerly anticipates the next chapter of his journey towards self-sufficiency. With plans to transition out of the men’s shelter and into SJW Workforce Villages—a three-month transitional housing program designed to provide support and education on personal finance and food budgeting—he feels a renewed sense of hope and determination.

With the unwavering support of SJW and his own resilience, Brent is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As he continues his journey to stability and self-sufficiency, he does so with gratitude in his heart and a newfound sense of empowerment, knowing that he has the tools and support needed to build a brighter future for himself.

Start Your Week With SJW

Subscribe to receive updates about new blog posts and client success stories every Monday morning. 

Subscribe Blog Footer

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest

Similar Posts

Daisy’s Success Story

Imagine facing the heart-wrenching reality of losing everything you’ve built over a lifetime. For 68-year-old Daisy, this became a harsh reality when an unexpected divorce left her homeless in California. With no family to turn to, she relied on her decent wages to stay in motels until the money ran out. In search of stability,

Read More »

Larry’s Success Story

Life can be unpredictable. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control can upend everything we’ve worked for, leaving us in despair and uncertainty. But with the right support, those same circumstances can be the catalyst for a fresh start. This is where your generosity comes in—you have the power to turn lives around by providing the resources

Read More »

St. Joseph the Worker is Named Non-Profit of The Month: Fabulous Arizona

SJW is thrilled to be recognized as the Non-Profit of the Month, highlighting nearly 40 years of service dedicated to the community. Our commitment to empowering clients facing barriers serves as a beacon of hope to help individuals secure quality employment and achieve self-sufficiency.  This honor not only acknowledges the hard work and dedication of

Read More »

Leave a comment