Transitioning to a sober lifestyle can be a very challenging experience. Top it off with also needing to find stable employment and a way around town, and you have one unappetizing recipe. Adam’s story just goes to show that having a taste of your dream can fuel your determination to make it happen.
We first met Adam when he was learning how to navigate a new sober lifestyle and wanted to get started on rebuilding his life. After enrolling in FoodShare benefits, an Income Maintenance worker told him about our FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program that helps people find meaningful careers and achieve their dreams. Excited about the possibilities, he made his way to our local office and enrolled.
From the first moment he met his FSET case manager, Adam was met with empathy, understanding, and the opportunity to share his true feelings and concerns. “To help me see things from his perspective, Adam spoke about what he really needed, and I listened,” says his case manager Karen. “I met him where he was at in life, and we went from there.” Together, Adam and Karen sat down and created a plan to find employment that also aligned with his own personal goals.
Finding a job required Adam to have means of transportation, which he was lacking at the moment. Karen was able to offer gas vouchers and cab vouchers to help make his commute around town to interviews easier. Another goal Adam had was to get his driver’s license back. Karen helped him enroll in driving classes and register his vehicle. Within a short amount of time, Adam locked down, not just one, but two jobs, and reinstated his driver’s license.
As he became more and more comfortable in his new routine, Adam was able to think about his future. He always had a love for cooking great food and working in an exciting kitchen environment. He had even once dreamed of becoming a chef in a high-end restaurant where he could create recipes of his own. He figured that the best way to make his dream happen would be to go back to school.
Adam discussed his education options with Karen and was referred to our Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, where he was able to get help enrolling in local culinary programs, applying for financial aid and finding guidance on how to manage his jobs while also going to school. He found his perfect fit at the culinary program at Fox Valley Technical College. Working with their Prosperity Center, Adam signed up for classes and excited to start this fall!
Adam’s journey with our programs has been nothing short of transformative. “Embracing a sober lifestyle allowed me to focus on my education, leading to significant personal growth and academic achievements,” says Adam. “Alongside my studies, I managed to hold down two jobs, which taught me invaluable time management and resilience skills. This support system has been instrumental in rebuilding my life, giving me the tools and confidence to pursue my goals and create a promising future.”
We are so proud of Adam as he continues to work toward his dream of becoming a chef, and have no doubt that he will achieve his dream. We wish you the best, Adam, and can’t wait to taste your innovative dishes!
Want support in achieving your dreams? See how our programs can help.
