Success Stories: Sam Jones 
Sam began U-Turn Permitted in October 2001 and completed in 2002. He is currently employed at the North Lawndale Starbucks. His criminal background is all narcotics. "I tapped into you people's resources...they made all possibilities come to life." Referring to life on the street, Sam explained that during the program, "for me the illusion was shattered...it was like crossing the street." He believes in the work of NLEN and pointed out that "I'm here today with a day off of pay."
Q: What is a lesson or tool you learned that helps keep you in the right mindset for advancing, especially since sometimes it takes a long time to get a job?
Sam: "Together we can make it...this has been a great journey." He went back to the NLEN Resource Center when he lost his job. He felt that he had to keep trying because "I don't want to destroy this relationship we built...This is a whole new perspective...my responsibility to be able to be here."
Q: What could have helped you change your life sooner that NLEN can think about while trying to work with young adults engaged in the system?
Sam: "The decision still lies with the individual." Give information.
Join our mailing list!