Success Stories | Gene
When Gene was first assigned to Project Bridge, he says he was very disoriented and lacked the right frame of mind to succeed. His mentors in the program gave him wisdom, knowledge, and understanding about life. Between helping him to get jobs, setting and completing goals, and helping him see the good in life when he wanted to give up, the support system around him held him up.
Gene has consistently attended mentoring events and work. The Project Bridge staff have collectively engaged him to complete his educational goals, which were not a priority for him. He is well on his way to earning his GED and has accomplished a 180-degree turnaround, working in the food industry and striving for success. He has overcome a toxic and negative environment and created a positive mindset.
Gene plans to enroll in a Job Corps program, but finding himself in a housing crisis, he needs some funds to help him sustain his life until he begins. Through our Success Awards program, our generous donors will be offering Gene the support he needs. He told us, “I will give it my all to succeed and make something out of myself.”
He wrote this to us:
“First off I would like to thank everyone who helped me get to where I am now. It is greatly appreciated and I’ll forever remember you all in my heart . When I was first assigned to Eckerd Connects I was very disoriented and I did not have the right mind frame until I met (my mentors and staff). They gave me wisdom, knowledge and understanding to a new life… I had a lot of bad days but my team helped me see the good in life. At times I felt like giving up but Mr. Tommy helped me on several occasions where I felt down. At one point in time I stopped working and I felt like I couldn’t handle it anymore and Mr. Tommy did everything in his power to help me become a strong minded young man. I really appreciate the long talks he had with me and words of wisdom he gave to me. I took every thing he said to me into consideration and I’m glad he didn’t give up on me. He’s one person I can say never let me hit the ground. Ms. Dean is like a 2nd mom she is someone I know I can’t let down. All of her lectures and long talks really have a hold on me. I am very grateful for the village that came forth to help me on my journey. I’m thankful for everyone who has helped me whether it was physically or mentally. I am currently working and on the right path. The support Eckerd has given me is phenomenal. If it wasn’t for the help and support I wouldn’t be here and I appreciate the staff for welcoming me and never giving up on me.”
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