Before coming to Second Chance, my wife and I along with our four children were homeless and living in our car. I had no real purpose or direction in my life and to complicate matters further, I was wrapped up using and selling drugs.

I entered the Second Chance STRIVE program in October of 2005. During the beginning of the program, I began to notice changes in my life; the way I acted, talked and even walked! I started to see that my life was worth a lot and that with hard work, I would be able to accomplish anything I set my mind to. The STRIVE program showed me how to make good first impressions, work as a part of a team, learn from constructive criticism and use it to my advantage. Most importantly I've learned to slow down, think before I speak and pay close attention to details.

Today I am no longer homeless! I am drug free and currently work private duty as a Home Health Nurse. My wife and children are very proud of my success and I feel very proud of my accomplishements. I have a new found respect for myself and I feel very much ALIVE. Today I have direction and purpose!

Please join us in celebrating Richard's success and that of other Second Chance STRIVE graduates at our Profiles of Success event on Friday, September 28, 2007.

Please click here for more details on the event including ticket prices and sponsorship opportunities.