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Trainee Stories: Against All Odds

 

JOSIAS   RIVERA

Josias, from Camden, New Jersey, entered our training program when he was 21 years old.  Josias is a single father and was formerly incarcerated.  He entered the ACP training program with numerous barriers to employment and low self-esteem. 

According to Josias, the impact of participating in the ACP program has opened up a whole new life for him and his family. Upon completion of the training program, Josias was placed in employment with SunEdison in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

He was offered the opportunity travel to California for training as the result of his placement at SunEdison.  The case manager at ACP worked diligently with officials from the New Jersey State Parole Board to secure an approved travel authorization for him to participate in the company training event in California. 

Today, Josias has attended two subsequent work-related training sessions in California and is earning $14.00 per hour.  Participation in the ACP Training Program has been a life changing experience for him and his family.

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STACEY STOVER

Stacey entered the ACP Training Program when he was 36 years old.  He is a resident of Camden City, New Jersey.  Stacey is a father and a proud grandfather, but has faced many difficult life challenges and he soon realized and found his life going nowhere. 

Stacey entered the ACP training program after been shuffled through other local other programs and services.  His last stop was at the Camden Drug Court where he was made ware of the need to find a personal focus and a career with a future.

According to Stacey, the ACP Training Program has giving him the new beginning to his life that he needed. While in the program, Stacy secured his driver’s license and entered the Bricklayer’s Apprenticeship Training Program.  He has successfully completed the apprenticeship program.

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DARRICK ASHBURN

Darrick is 34 years of age and a resident of Camden. He was residing at the Fletcher House (Half Way House) at the time he entered the training program.  Darrick successfully completed the training program and excelled in every area. 

Darrick entered the Labor Union as an apprentice making $14.79 per hour.  He served as a role model to other students in our program and has become an active mentor to other individuals in the area who have been formerly incarcerated.   He is a classic example of individual initiative as he overcame some physical challenges and still was able to complete the ACP Training Program mastering skills and acquiring skill sets that were required for his placement in the apprenticeship program in Camden.