15
Jun
Transformation Story: Meet Jarrad
While sitting in a cell at the county jail in 2018, Jarrad knew he was ready for a change. He began researching resources in the area and came across information about Connections to Success. It wasn’t the first time he had heard of the organization. 
“I was kind of familiar with Brad Lambert at the beginning. He actually took me to my first baseball game,” said Jarrad. In addition to knowing Brad, a co-founder of Connections to Success, Jarrad also remembered his aunt had participated in our personal and professional development (PPD) training. Jarrad had taken other training courses in the past and didn’t expect to learn much new information, but he still signed up for the training after his release.
“I came in here feeling that I already knew what they had to offer and what they were telling me. But that wasn’t the truth at all,” said Jarrad. “When I started to proceed with the program and really understood what they were offering, it was something I had never seen before – the networking and the support – and the development of it all.”
During the 12-day PPD training, Jarrad developed and strengthened core skills that promote healthy relationships, effective decision-making and career growth. He also found compassion and ongoing support. “They really cared for the needs I was struggling with. They helped me greatly with my mental health issues and gave me great referral links,” said Jarrad.
“I thought it was a 12-day thing at first….but honestly, it’s a lifelong connection. It’s just beautiful because Connections actually reaches out to me.” Jarrad said he stays in touch with other members of his PPD class and his life transformation coach at Connections to Success, who offers ongoing support. He’s also making strong progress toward his professional goals.
“After my training, I went on to enroll into the St. Charles Barber College. And honestly, that’s been going amazing,” said Jarrad. “A lot of the training I got from Connections I still apply today in the college…With the skills that I’ve obtained, I plan on going to do great things within the barber field.” Jarrad said he’s also grown personally and looks forward to giving back to his community. “This place really gave me hope, showed me what gratitude is, and made me appreciate life for what it’s worth.”
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