Curtis
A successful entrepreneur and home owner, Curtis felt “success always came easy to me”. But between the highs, there were deep lows for Curtis. “My addiction ruined it all. I lost the house. I lost the business.” His addiction even cost him his freedom, and Curtis ended up incarcerated.
Thankfully, Curtis met LaViva, director of Union Station’s career development program. “I wanted to change, to go forward in life and find something that fits who I really am. It’s not just about finding a job. It’s about a transformed life,” Curtis says looking back.
Today, Curtis is an instructor at Homeboy Industries, teaching a 16-week solar technology course to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women. “I take people like myself, and I help give them a chance. Five of my students have jobs already, earning a salary with full benefits!”
Curtis exudes confidence when asked about his future. “My life is great! I’ve learned the joy and benefits of accountability. And now I know—everything I did led me to this place.”
Also in Meet Our Brothers-in-need
Charlie
John
Angry and feeling inadequate, John’s early bad judgments and bouts with drugs and alcohol found him at age 33 living in his car.
