“My experience with OSH has been one of impartial treatment and genuine concern. I have been offered equal opportunity, accountability, backup, and a place where people want to see you grow.”
When I was living in Texas, my car broke down, and I didn’t have the money to fix it. Then I lost my job and couldn’t afford the room I was renting. After hopping between shelters for awhile, I moved north because of a good friend’s influence. He convinced me that there was opportunity in Minnesota and offered to help out financially until I could get on my feet.
When I reached Minnesota, things fell through. I found myself in the shelter system here. But with my mother and family back home encouraging me to keep moving forward and my church providing a spiritual foundation, I didn’t get discouraged.
While I was at Our Saviour’s shelter, I found work through a temp agency and was referred to OSH’s Transitional Housing program. My plan was to save some money and get my GED. Then I was let go from my temp position. Again, I stayed positive and kept pushing forward. I got a special classification on my driver’s license so that I could drive a school bus and secured a job driving a route.
Within two months, I lost that job when my endorsement was revoked because of a problem with my record. When I talked with someone in my home county in Texas, I was told the violation on my record was from 16 years ago, which would have made me 14. With the support of OSH staff, I am persevering and still working on getting that matter settled, hopefully with legal aid.*
In the meantime, I have been working part-time for a food delivery business and working towards my GED. I have already passed reading and history and will take the last two tests in the next month! I also opened a bank account in order to gain credit and have paid off my debt.
My experience with OSH has been one of impartial treatment and genuine concern. I have been offered equal opportunity, accountability, backup, and a place where people want to see you grow.
I’ve got a long way to go still, but I’ll keep going like I always have. I’ve learned to turn roadblocks into stepping stones to success!
*Additional Note: Since the writing of this article, Jerry has had his endorsement to drive a school bus reinstated. He can go back to his route after returning from visiting his parents in June!
