Success Story: Terrance

My name is Terrance and growing up in Chicago, I experienced a lot of hurdles including falling victim to the streets. I was incarcerated at the age of 19.  I was released six years later with no family members in Madison, no clothing and no support to help me get situated in a new environment, but I was determined to get my life on track.  I do not want to go back to become the same person I was before I entered prison.

The first place my parole agent bought me to was Community Action Coalition during the Koats for Kids campaign.  I signed-up for the program.  While incarcerated, I developed some job skills.  The skills I learned were C-Tech (cable specialist), brick layer/ masonry, Green Cleaning custodian and Publication which taught me basic computer skills. Leshon at CAC helped me work through my financial problems and then helped me to move out of poverty by helping me to build a resume that reflected these skills.

Since visiting the Community Action Coalition and working with Leshon, I have moved up from a cashier at McDonalds to a Management position. I was then able to establish solid credit for the first time in my life.  I was able to finance a car. I am now working on bringing my son to Wisconsin to make sure he does not fall victim to the streets.  I also will be starting school to further my education in field of business.

Creating a new life has taken a lot of determination and hard work.  But, I am certain that my life today would not have been possible without the opportunities provided to me by Community Action Coalition!