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published July 19, 2010
Connections Make The Difference
Leo’s success is proof of the power of networking. It also helps that he’s willing to be flexible. “I’ll do general labor, construction…you name it,” says Leo. “Not everyone wants to work for $6 or $7 an hour, but I will. In the long run, it adds up, and sometimes those are the jobs that help pay the bills.”
Leo came to Breakthrough Urban Ministries last fall. Although he had recently been released from prison, he found employment within the first couple of weeks – a highly unusual opportunity. During his first stay, Leo was able to leave the Breakthrough Ministry Center in just a few months because he had already secured housing.
But Leo networks every chance he gets, a skill that has served him well. He is thankful that Breakthrough creates an environment that is conducive to meeting new people and exchanging ideas. “Many times the connections I’ve made have literally saved me,” he says. “Sometimes the temp agency I work for has a dry spell, and I’ve been able to pay my rent because of work I picked up through Manna Ministry or other volunteers.”
Sometimes, new obstacles get in the way, but Leo finds a way to get around them and keep moving toward his goal. He recently came back to Breakthrough for a short while, Leo was able to move back into his own place. “I had steady work for about six months. I had paid off several bills and had more than enough left to pay rent,” he says. “Then I got laid off for two months, and I found out that my roommate’s friend was using illegal drugs at our place.” Money was tight, and Leo didn’t want anything to jeopardize his parole record, so he moved out. He called his case manager Judy Cuchetto to see if there was room for him at Breakthrough again.
“So many times, Breakthrough has been the key,” he says. “It’s important to have a base where I could make job connections. I’ve needed a place to receive God’s word and experience human interaction. It really helps relieve the stress of searching for work. I’ve met people here who have become wonderful friends.”
After his last stay at Breakthrough, Leo has a job and a place of his own. But he plans ahead and never stops makes connections. “I’d still like to become more permanently employed,” he says. “I’d also like to get my driver’s license and save up enough money to buy a vehicle.”
Do you have potential job opportunities for Breakthrough guests? Please let us know>