Stories of Hope

June 2022 Stories Of Hope- Xavier Clark & Julie Smith


“Leveling The Playing Field”

Xavier Clark

Constructing Hope graduate Xavier Clark (Fall 2021) shares his story and the challenges he overcame to enter into the construction industry as a laborer.

Julie Smith

Julie Smith (Spring 2016), a graduate of Constructing Hope’s […]

2022-06-22T18:01:35-07:00June 22nd, 2022|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope – Matthew Jacobsen, Summer 2021 Graduate


“Taking The Elevator To The Top Floor”

Spring of 2021 Constructing Hope graduate Matthew Jacobsen is an example of how preparation and dedication can lead to opportunity in a short period of time.

Matthew, a former 2-time state champion wrestler, got mixed in with the wrong crowds shortly after […]

2022-06-16T10:29:28-07:00April 4th, 2022|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope – Cicely Dale, Spring 2019 Graduate


Pulling Herself Up By The Bootstraps

“I was just tired of only getting temporary gigs, I wanted career stability.”

Spring of 2019 graduate Cicely Dale worked for years within the trades in various roles prior to joining (enrolling? I like enrolling) in Constructing Hope’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program, but capped out […]

2022-03-02T11:16:18-08:00March 2nd, 2022|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope – Kavon Bailey-Hall, February 2022

“Straight To The League”

Kavon Bailey-Hall’s story is about preparation, perseverance and opportunity. Kavon joined the pre-apprenticeship program while still in high school, after trying different sports and programs left him wanting more for his career prospects. He knew college wasn’t for him, but […]

2022-01-27T14:22:34-08:00January 27th, 2022|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope – Michael Richmond, Winter 2016 Graduate

For Michael, Constructing Hope was transformative. Before he heard about the program at a job fair, he was unemployed and on probation. Despite having no construction experience whatsoever, he decided to give the program a try. Michael had to work a part time job to support his family […]

2021-11-30T12:26:59-08:00November 30th, 2021|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope: Rasean Cole-Cueto, Spring 2021 Graduate

Rasean had struggled with drug addiction before hearing about Constructing Hope while she was at treatment. She intended to start training with the program before the pandemic, but unfortunately COVID-19 forced her to postpone her plans. She had her second son during the pandemic and started Constructing Hope just two months after […]

2023-08-17T11:33:24-07:00November 2nd, 2021|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope: Willie Jones, Fall 2015 Graduate

During his time at Constructing Hope, Willie faced numerous challenges. He had recently been released from prison and had a newborn son. He even had to bring his son to class with him, inspiring Constructing Hope to start making childcare available for all students. Unfortunately, Willie also lost his mother while going through the program, and he said […]

2021-09-30T10:15:40-07:00September 30th, 2021|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope: Gary Brown, Fall 2019 Graduate

Gary is now an ironworker at Precision Pre-Cast, working to raise panels for buildings. He graduated from Constructing Hope in fall of 2019 as a Tier 1 graduate, and he’s been working full time ever since. However, Gary faced numerous challenges before he […]

2021-08-27T12:41:29-07:00August 27th, 2021|Stories of Hope|

Story of Hope: Hope Kidby, Winter 2018 Graduate

Before Hope joined Constructing Hope, she had no construction experience whatsoever. She was a recovering addict with a criminal record doing janitorial work to pay the bills. Hope eventually heard about Constructing Hope from a neighbor and took it as a sign that she should join the program the […]

2021-07-30T09:48:17-07:00July 30th, 2021|Stories of Hope|
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