Read Charles Amazing Story:

Mission Moment

When Charles lost his job due to a DUI, his home went into foreclosure and forced him and his wife to move into a tiny apartment. The stress was hard on their marriage and, eventually, they divorced.

Charles knew it was time to go back to work. He had always wanted to become a truck driver so he took the steps necessary to reinstate his driver’s license. Then he enrolled in a program that provided training so that he could obtain a Commercial Driver License. Immediately thereafter, Charles got a job driving over-the-road for a large trucking company. Not long after he started the job, Charles noticed some changes in his vision. Night driving was impossible and he had to quit his new job.

Without a job, Charles became homeless. He felt sad and anxious all the time and he began drinking again to drown out his thoughts. His addiction spiraled out of control and he lost what little he had – including his relationships with his family and friends. He was panhandling to get just enough money to buy beer. On the days he did not make enough money panhandling, he found other ways to get alcohol, resulting in his arrest for retail theft when he was caught stealing a six-pack.

His arrest was the reality check Charles needed. He was ready to get help for his substance abuse issue and to find stable housing. He began working with a case manager from the community mental health provider, Centerstone. Charles spoke with his case manager about his addictions, his homelessness and about the fact that over the last year his vision had worsened.

His case manager sent Charles for a complete eye exam. The ophthalmologist said he would need cataract surgery, which would need to be done soon so that Charles did not lose what little vision he had left. Charles did not have insurance and had no idea how he could pay for surgery. Charles’ case manager found a program that would help. Charles entered a recovery program on the east coast of Florida that would help him with his substance abuse and would give him a place to stay, along with a job. His case manager applied for indigent medical care for Charles and he was also able to get the cataract surgery he needed.

Once he completed the program it was time to come back to Bradenton. Charles checked in at the Salvation Army and it was there that he was referred to the Goodwill Job Connection at Turning Points. Charles met Kathy at Turning Points and explained that he had already submitted a few applications with employers but he had not heard from even one of them. He was not sure if it was his arrest record, his lack of transportation, or his spotty work history that made employers unwilling to give him a chance. He suspected that it was probably a combination of all those factors and he was beginning to think that his situation was hopeless. Kathy suggested that Charles consider applying at Goodwill.

Charles was excited to hear that Goodwill was a second chance employer and he applied that day. He was amazed when he got a call offering him an interview the next day. Charles went to the interview and, within the week, he was offered at a job at the Goodwill that was within walking distance of the Salvation Army. Finally, Charles could see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Having a second chance at life – one that includes a job – has changed Charles’ outlook. He says there is hope for everyone who might be struggling. He marvels at all the incredible resources and agencies in our community that work together to help people who are ready to begin again. Maybe it is this new outlook or maybe it is the cataract surgery, but Charles says, “You have no idea what a bright beautiful world there is out there.” He says that having resources and people to help him has given his life back to him.  

Changing lives through the power of work!