Success Stories
Theo has been with the program for about 6
months. In the beginning, it was apparent that he struggled in
recognizing his personal interests and really had no idea what
he wanted to do in life. He explored interests with The Right
Track Project through the skills/interest inventory, as well
as spent time researching his career options with his vocational
case manager. Theo believed he had an interest in journalism,
and was encouraged to attend the TV/broadcasting class at PPCC.
This class would hopefully expose him to more opportunities in
the media industry, as well as teach him something about journalism.
He ended up thoroughly enjoying the class, and completed it successfully.
He completed his community service with Work Out Ltd., and has
successfully completed probation. He is currently on track to
graduate in May 2007, and has applied to the University of New
Mexico and the University of Colorado to earn a degree in Journalism.
Both Universities are widely known and respected for their Journalism
Departments throughout the US. We are confident that Theo will
have no problem getting accepted into either University.
Brett heard about The
Right Track Project through a friend who was already involved
with the program, and referred himself for services. At the time of intake, Brett had
already successfully completed probation, but felt he could use
some assistance in completing his education and developing a
career. In the 6 months Brett has been with the program, he has
taken advantage of the vocational skills training, career exploration
and the GED preparatory classes. He is now expected to obtain
his GED within the next month and is looking at college as a
way to study horticulture. He was recently hired on with Quiznos,
a business which works with the Right Track Project. Brett
continues to remain active in the RTP, and strives to make more
positive choices to enhance his future.
Geno had been with the program since late 2006. He
was referred to the program for job skills and to complete his
education. When Geno first started the program he was only
attending the GED classes and was not taking advantage of the
vocational services that were being offered. After working
closely with his vocational case manager he began pursuing his
GED and began job searching. Geno started GED classes and
within weeks of starting the classes, RTP was able to find employment
for Geno with a local landscaping company (which is the industry
Geno wanted to pursue). Geno was so excited that he stated
to his VCM “everything is finally coming together for
me!” “This is what I want to do, this is me!” Geno
is still pursuing his GED and is still employed by this local
landscaping company. Geno’s mother has told his VCM
that she is so happy for Geno, “just to see the smile on
his face after work everyday makes it all worth it!”
Brittany was working with Work Out Ltd. when
she was referred to the program. Her vocational case manager
spent time assessing Brittany in the workplace and working with
her on developing healthy professional boundaries with co workers,
attitude, taking initiative and following directions. Although
Brittany’s performance improved at WOL, she was bored with
the job. She no longer owed restitution, so quit WOL.
She then focused on the GED. She attended classes regularly with
RTP for about a month before she was sent to take the test. Due
to a family crisis, Brittany was unable to complete her GED until
a few months later. She obtained her GED last month, and has
become active in RTP once again. Utilizing a business relationship
with Quiznos downtown, Brittany’s case manager was able
to get Brittany hired. She is now being trained for store manager,
and plans on gaining work experience before looking into college.
Chris joined The Right Track Project almost
a year ago, and was highly resistant to be being involved with
the program. His Vocational Case Manager was able to convince
Chris to complete the situational assessment at a construction
site, and he demonstrated several strengths and work skills.
Chris was able to identify through the assessment, that although
he has a great interest in construction, he would not like a
career in this field. He completed Job Seeking Skills Training
and worked with Vocational Case Manager to apply to Intellitec
College, receive financial aid and study for his GED. Chris is
currently attending Intellitec fulltime, and working fulltime
at an Auto shop (Auto Tech Plaza).
Kevin has been in the program for over a year
now. He started out very resistant to the program, as did his
father. Kevin relapsed after only a few months in the program,
but was very receptive to his case manager’s support
and has stated that his case manager is who motivated him.
He has taken advantage of almost everything our program offers;
he worked with WOL in order to pay off restitution, has completed
the Essence For Success and TV broadcasting classes at PPCC,
completed vocational training and a work skills assessment,
obtained his GED and is now attending PPCC full time. Kevin
remains in our program, and still meets with his case manager
for job searching assistance and support.
Alex was working with Work Out Ltd. when referred
to the program. He was close to paroling, so he had no real push
to be involved with the program. Alex asked to be involved in
the program in order to learn vocational skills. His case manager
observed him work and completed a work skills assessment. When
Alex left WOL, Right Track was able to place him in a landscaping
job within ADI. Alex currently has his GED, is working full time
with ADI, and continues to meet with his case manager to complete
vocational skills training.
Four Square Finishing LLC
We became acquainted with The Right Track Program (RTP) in February
2007 by attending a seminar sponsored by the Southern Colorado
Better Business Bureau. As an employer (Four Square Finishing,
LLC) and as individuals who had a very similar past to the
RTP participants, we were very interested in taking on an RTP
youth to serve a 3 year drywall apprenticeship and hopefully
become a journeyman dry-waller. We never would have had the
opportunity to realize such an undertaking if it had not been
for RTP. From screening candidates, to submitting resumes,
to providing financially for the prospective employees during
the first month on the job, to acting as a liaison between
employer and employee to make the smoothest and best matches
possible, all RTP employees were operating seamlessly.
In late February 2007, we selected Joseph Howe to serve that
apprenticeship, and on March 27, 2007, Joseph became a full time
employee for Four Square Finishing. We couldn't' be more pleased
with Joseph's progression, and we would not hesitate to take
on another RTP participant in the future. Working with troubled
youths to educate and fit them with the right job for their future
is nothing more than great for our Colorado Springs community.
It is truly a win/win/win relationship for employers, future
employees, and Colorado Springs alike. We hope that you
are able to draw from your teleconference with Dan the genuine
heart of RTP which we support 100%.
Sincerely,
Dan and Christy Copeland
Four Square Finishing, LLC |
