My
name is Anthony Jackson. I'm 54 years old. I recent got out of
federal institution, and I didn't know what I was going to do when I
got out. I wasn't allow to work in the medical field at this time. I
spoke to Mr. Baily at Broadway Foundation and he helped me to see how I can
reinvent myself in the field of post construction clean-up. I started as
a laborer, which you know was not what I believed I could live on. I had a
made up mind that I was going to do whatever it took, and focus on what
I had and not what I don't. Currently I'm now the project manager over
all the active sites. This change is has also helped my marriage; which
my wife says she likes this guy much more. I have been married for 21
years. It was by the mentoring that Mr. Baily gave me, which helped me
build my confidence and helped me see the new start of this journey that
I'm on with the foundation. I'm grateful to everyone at the foundation
that has help me look beyond what I think I know, and to see the potential
that I have never tapped into.
Nothing prepared me for the roadblocks and closed doors that a felony conviction and subsequent incarceration affords to those who are re-entering society after serving out their sentences. As a 52 year-old woman with a professional career behind me, finding gainful employment with my knowledge and experience should have been fairly straight forward.
Although I had several job offers despite disclosing my record, the HR departments rescinded the offers of employment each time. Without gainful employment, it is impossible to rebuild one’s life and re-enter society as a law-abiding, productive citizen. All too often, the doors are firmly closed to us.
The future looked bleak for me, until I met with Ray Bailey and Broadway Foundation. They offered me the desperately needed second chance that so many others did not; they took a risk because they believe that every human being has intrinsic value and should be afforded the dignity of earning a living. They see the person – their gifts and talents – and not their past. Mr. Bailey and Broadway Foundation are instruments of God’s grace; they helped me to see that I have something of value to offer to society and to Broadway Foundation and that despite my past mistakes, there is a silver lining and hope for the future.
I am so thankful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me to rebuild my life, provide for my family and contribute to society in a positive, productive way. Mr. Bailey encouraged me to see past the limitations placed on me and apply my skills and experience to helping others who are facing the daunting task of re-entering society. The impact of Broadway Foundation on my life is profound and life changing.
Ms. Heidi serves as the Office Administration for the Foundation.
As
I walked out of the Federal institution, I didn’t know what the next
step was going to be, I didn't really have a plan. But Broadway
Foundation changed everything for me and has made me realize that
nothing is impossible.
My name is Terra Miller and I’m 35 years old. I’m currently the Project
Manager at all sites for Asteroid Cleaning. I started off as a cleaner
for them and now run the projects for them - and this happened in less
than 1 year! Although there were times I wanted to give up, Mr.Bailey
always motivated me and encouraged me to keep on going. Through the
challenges and Mr. Bailey's mentoring I have developed excellent
leadership and
communication skills that I now use everday. When I first stepped into
Broadway Foundation, I had no clue what was ahead of me, but thanks
to Mr.Bailey's guidance, I've come through to the other side of
me...the me I always thought that I wasn’t capable of being.
I
am so grateful for what the Foundation has done for me and for my
family. Having the opportunity to be part of Broadway Foundation is
amazing because it helped me become the person that I am today and
showed me that there that there are no limits - I am capable and able to
accomplish anything in life that I set my mind to. Broadway Foundation
has influenced me in many ways and helped me build and put my life back
together again.
