Transformation Story: Meet Sal

Sal Moreno, Connections to Success Pathways to Success Program Alum

COLUMBIA, MO – “Hope is a big thing,” said Sal Moreno, a 2021 alum of the Connections to Success (CtS) Pathways to Success Program in Columbia, MO. “I have a hope for a better future of myself, and I think it’s programs like Connections to Success that opened up the doors so I can fulfill some of the dreams that I have in my life.”

During Sal’s first week out of prison, he found The Reentry Opportunity Center (ROC) and in2Action transitional support organizations, where he was introduced to new areas of opportunities, specifically the CtS Pathways to Success Program. This program includes the Personal and Professional Development Training class that helped him believe in himself again.

“I had been struggling with drugs and alcohol for the past 10 years, been in and out of recovery programs, narcotics anonymous, and I’ve been in prison twice. I just really had been struggling with finding myself and finding my purpose in society. When I had got out of prison this time, I was just determined to change my life and change the identity of who I was,” Sal said.

Sal has spoken with other participants at in2Action before they started the CtS PPD training, and he’s excitedly told them to believe in themselves, seize this opportunity, and get as much out of the program as they could.

“A lot of times we get information, but we don’t apply it,” Sal said, “but just take it in, start fresh, and start anew.”

Currently, Sal is enrolled in barber college, learning skills for his new job and career. As he looks further down the road, he plans to become a Peer Specialist, working with gentlemen released from prison, an experience he fully understands, first-hand.

“Being a mentor to guys coming out of prison can help strengthen them within their faith, encouraging them. They don’t know what they’re going out to, but to see somebody that’s made it, gives them hope,” Sal said.

Interested in the CtS Pathways to Success program for yourself, or someone else you know? Click here to submit your interest, and learn more about our program.

By: Sylvia Petty, Connections to Success – Marketing and Communications Manager