Ken
Describe your path to Reconciliation Services. I had just been released from federal prison and I was ready to change my life. I wanted to get a decent job but to do that I needed an ID and a permanent address. I found a place to live but I had no money for rent, so I was stuck. I thought there’s got to be a way through this and discovered RS. I walked in and told them my situation. They set me up with an appointment with their Self-Sufficiency Services, helped me get my ID and paid my first month’s rent! That’s what I needed to get started on a new road!
You have two jobs now, right? Yeah, I got a job cooking at the Sprint Center and I’m also working at Cosentino’s, downtown. I’ve got plans to open my own food truck one day and no, I’m not letting on what type of food I’m going to serve! I’ve got a vision to sell something that’s not out there right now!
How would you describe your experience at RS? It’s tough walking into a place and speaking to strangers about your stuff, but the person I saw spoke to me like a real person, with respect and kindness and not just going through the motions. The encouragement they gave me soaked into my bones and I’ll always be grateful for the chance they gave me. I got some foundational tools that I needed to begin helping myself and that’s what I needed. I’m living my life to the fullest now. I’m changing and plan on going higher and I’m doing my best to give back.
What advice would you give someone who wants to make a change? Being brave enough to make a change, take on a new role and risk failure are all weekly challenges (but that’s what pushes me forward). Commit to something, even in tough times, don’t give up. Work hard and be kind to people.
