Community worker making a difference in Orlando's streets.
Calvin Thomas, a former homeless man in Orlando, has found stability and purpose after securing a job with the public works department through First Step Staffing. His journey from hardship to a fulfilling role highlights the success of a city initiative aimed at helping vulnerable populations. With support and job training, Thomas has not only improved his own life but has also become a crew leader, reflecting the positive impact of community efforts to reintegrate individuals facing challenges.
Orlando – Calvin Thomas, a 55-year-old man who previously endured homelessness in Orlando, has turned his life around and now works for the city’s public works department. Thomas, who spent nights at a local shelter, has transformed his situation thanks to a collaboration between the city and First Step Staffing, a national nonprofit organization focused on preparing homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals for employment.
Before achieving his current stability, Thomas faced significant hardships, which included riding the Lynx bus to Disney World just to escape the heat while watching others enjoy the parks he could not afford to visit. Thomas is now employed in Orlando’s streets division, where he picks up trash and starts his workday before dawn using an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). He describes his job as fulfilling and is grateful to have an apartment that he can pay for with his steady paycheck.
In its four-year partnership with First Step Staffing, Orlando has successfully hired 31 individuals from the nonprofit’s program, demonstrating a commitment to integrating vulnerable populations into the workforce. Thomas is one of the key success stories that illustrate the program’s impact. He initially struggled to find stable work after facing obstacles due to his past involvement in the criminal justice system. Before joining First Step, Thomas worked as a day laborer but sought to change his life path.
A staff member from the Coalition for the Homeless introduced Thomas to First Step Staffing, which provided him with job readiness training, including resume creation and interview preparation. The organization acts as a critical resource, offering advocacy to link individuals with potential employers. First Step is dedicated to generating opportunities for those who are willing to make transformative life changes.
Thomas’s new role at the public works department has allowed him to showcase his strong work ethic, leading to recognition from his supervisors. He has been promoted to crew leader, a position that reflects his diligence and commitment to his job. Local leaders, including Orlando’s mayor, have publicly acknowledged Thomas’s efforts and dedication, reinforcing the value of employees who appreciate the chance to contribute to their communities.
Throughout his journey, Thomas has recognized the importance of self-awareness in overcoming challenges. His story not only highlights the individual hurdles faced by those experiencing homelessness and reintegration into society but also underscores ongoing community efforts to support these individuals through workforce development initiatives.
Kellie Brownlow, the chief mission officer for First Step Staffing, notes that the organization plays a vital role in being a final stepping stone for individuals eager to improve their circumstances. The collaboration between Orlando and First Step signifies a progressive approach in addressing homelessness and employment issues, paving the way for more success stories like that of Calvin Thomas.
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