Life After IMPACT

Amy Reynolds

Re-Entry Work Readiness & Vocational

Training and Certification Programs

Amy Reynolds spent 4,015 days (11 years) envisioning how her life would be after prison. At 31 years old, Amy spent one-third of her life behind bars, with convictions for robbery, kidnapping, and weapon possession; but with a repentant heart, strong will, and determination, she embraced her future with courage and hope.

Amy was released from the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, Ohio in March 2017. Shortly thereafter, she participated in several Empowerment Services at IMPACT Community Action to jump-start independent living, including Re-entry Work Readiness, Employment Plus, and the newly formed Vocational Training and Certification Program (VTAC). The Re-Entry and Employment Plus program helped Amy to fine-tune her soft skills, and both paved the way for entry into the workforce. However, according to Amy, the VTAC made the greatest impact on her career goals, as it provided her with the opportunity to leverage the construction trades skills that she developed while incarcerated.

Amy continues to make her mark in the construction trade industry, which historically has been a male-dominated industry. According to a June 2014 report from the National Women’s Law Center called, “Wome in Construction” Still Breaking Ground,” its research indicates that women hold 47% of all wage and salary jobs, but only 2.6% of all construction industry jobs nationwide.

“Women can do this job,” Amy said, “I am living proof that women do not have to compete (with me) but (they) must be competent to get the job done. Ultimately, my goal is to teach other troubled young women the construction trades business, so they can place their energy into a skill that lasts a lifetime. These skills will lead them to higher-wage jobs where they can take care of themselves and their families.”

Benjamin Graham

Vocational Training and Certification Program

“I know that we live in a culture where everything is disposable. It seems that is easier to just get something new rather than to repair the old one, but what about people’s lives? Our communities are filled with broken people living in the shadows of poverty and we can’t just throw them away, is our responsibility to fix them. I have found, through IMPACT, that their programs repair, redefine and re-purpose people.” 

With 30 years of experience in home repair, I really did think I knew everything. I’d been a Licensed and Certified Operating Engineer by trade and worked on construction sites all over the state. Even with my skills, I almost ruined everything in my life but God kept giving me second chances. Somehow through it all, I never stopped fixing things. The Vocational Training and Certification program (VTAC) not only validated me again, but it challenged me to take my small business, AGAPE Homes Remodeling, and Home Improvement, to the next level. This is where I found self-sufficiency but I also discovered the true beauty of God’s design on fixing things.

You see, in ancient Japan, when a ceramic bowl broke, they fixed it. Legend has it that a Japanese shogun was unimpressed with the repair done on a Chinese bowl he had sent to be fixed, so he hired some Japanese craftsmen to find a more beautiful method of mending ceramics. They developed a technique called kintsugi, in which the broken pottery is literally mended with gold dust. Rather than trying to hide the flaws in the broken ceramics, they would highlight them in gold. The ceramics mended with kintsugi actually become more valuable than they had been before they were broken.

The “kintsugi” is exactly what IMPACT Community Action performed in my life. IMPACT is a place where one does not have to hide their cracks or flows. VTAC is designed to fill those “cracks” with training, skill development, mentorship, and tools. Once you’ve completed the program you can pursue a career in the skilled trades and potentially determine that you will never have to live in poverty again. 

Since I’ve completed VTAC, I’ve become inspired and I try to encourage young men to take advantage of the opportunities that are now being provided to them through IMPACT Community Action. You see, I tell these young men they have to come of out hiding and out of poverty to see that life is not over and that some of the damage can be repaired. I believe that learning how to build and repair helps to shape one’s character and look at life differently. If these young people can figure out how to repair a broken furnace, HVAC system, or a home, then they can figure out how to repair their lives and end the cycle of poverty.  To take something that is broken, repair it, redefine it and repurpose it, all the while increasing its value, this has to be God’s design for the people.

Sandra Carter

Home Weatherization Assistance Program

“To see the smile on my granddaughter’s face warms my heart. Nyla Marie Carter is the sunshine of our lives.”

I am so proud of my granddaughter Nyla. She is an honor roll student at Berwyn East Academy. She is healthy and thriving. We live in a small ranch-style home on a corner lot in a good neighborhood and our home is energy efficient. It is brightly lit, but more importantly, we have a “roof” over our heads and I mean that literally. 

I can laugh about it now but when I think about how IMPACT helped us through its Home Weatherization Assistance (HWAP) and American Electric Power (AEP) program, the tears form quickly in my eyes because I have to admit, I had just about given up.

I remember Nyla saying, “Granny I can hear the squirrels running around in the attic from my bedroom.” My husband and I spent all of our life savings to have the roof fixed but we fell victim to a scam. Five thousand dollars might as well be five million when you are on Social Security. Our life savings was gone, the roof was exposed, my husband’s health was in decline and no one could assist us because roof repair is the home owner’s responsibility and well beyond minor repair.

I was facing a terrible decision. Would I have to give up my grandbaby so that she could have a safer place to live? My faith was shaken and I just didn’t believe in people anymore. 

IMPACT’s HWAP staff advocated for me with their program partner AEP who provided $6,645 to repair my roof. Afterward, HWAP weatherized my home and provided me with energy-efficient appliances and lighting. I was grateful and I participated but a small part of me was still in disbelief. After that I had been through, I felt like no one cared about us, but somehow God uses something or someone to test your faith and this was it for me. AEP’s generosity and the compassion shown towards my family through IMPACT Community Action, restored my faith in people, in programs, and in prayer. I smile because our little Nyla is safe and can comfortably sleep in her own room.

Glynis Jackson

Employment Plus Program & IMPACT Board Member

“Today, I am seated on the Board of Directors of IMPACT Community Action. I represent the community sector of the Southeast quadrant of Franklin County. Just a few years ago, I was seated in the Employment Plus Work Readiness class at IMPACT.”

There is a saying that, “Into each life, a little rain must fall.” Well, mine was a tsunami of personal issues and familial issues that affected my professional life. I felt like I was drowning in the midst of my circumstances.

Employment was the solution to my economic hardship; however, just getting a job does not uplift one’s spirit after being knocked down by life. I believe that IMPACT has found the formula that re-ignites the spark in the human spirit and guides people to a place of empowerment. IMPACT’s Employment Plus program provided me with the reassurance that I needed to become stronger and take destiny into my own hands.

Following graduation from Employment Plus, I had the opportunity to participate in the election process for a community sector representative to sit on IMPACT’s Board of Directors. IMPACT Community Action has a tripartite Board composed of public, private, and community sector representatives. The community sector representative is elected by the people to represent the people.

I thought to myself, who better to represent this community than me? I had recently lived in poverty and strongly believe that I possessed the insight to become an advocate at the decision-making table of the same organization that helped me. I had no idea that after competing in the democratic election process and winning, that God was preparing me for my next position.

Today, I am employed as a trainer for the Franklin County Board of Elections where I am empowering people through civic engagement and governance. Maxine Waters is one of the leaders who inspire me. Following her example, I have “reclaimed my time,” servant leadership will be my focus as I continue to tell everyone about this poverty-fighting agency.

Jeffrey Samich

Support of Self-Sufficiency Program Comprehensive Case Management

“If I can help somebody, then my living is not in vain. That is how I feel every day when I wake up to what God has blessed me with and the opportunities that I have to help others.”

Support of Self-Sufficiency (S.O.S.) is what IMPACT named the newly polluted program back in 2010. Most people know SOS as an acronym for a distress call to “save our ship.” The distress call is made after it has been determined that there is no hope of recovery unless assisted. I was drowning in potential and living with the word “if” every day. My daily contemplations were if I could save enough money if I could get my driver’s license restored. If I could purchase a vehicle then I could start my small business. If only someone would give me a little help I could make it to the future I had always envisioned.

IMPACT was there for me. Through comprehensive case management, financial coaching, and my individual needs assessment, it was determined that I had the potential to start my small business and get back on my feet. IMPACT believed in me and supported my vision to become an entrepreneur. This was my real opportunity for self-sufficiency. I was able to contribute my dollars along with IMPACT’s investment to regain my license and purchase my first vehicle for the business, and now the rest is history.

Today, I am the CEO of Logistics Resources Inc. I operate a small professional staffing agency that specializes in placing skilled trades personnel, material handlers, and conveyor installers. I also train and hire individuals for temporary assignments. These temp jobs are opportunities to provide second-chance employment to the disadvantaged through home remodeling, housekeeping, and commercial cleaning.

As an employer, I’ve come to IMPACT to offer seasonal employment to program participants. Not only am I self-sufficient, but my calling in life is to help the disenfranchised, the forgotten, and the lost to find their way back to self-sufficiency. I am giving these people the same thing that IMPACT Community Action gave me to which is hope. The hope that if provided the right opportunity at the right time, it can change your entire life. I believe this.

Deloria Stokes

Asset Development Program

“The American Dream is still alive and with IMPACT’s help, my dream of homeownership has become a reality.”

My life after IMPACT is centered around being the proud owner of a newly constructed four-bedroom home. I am a 44-year-old single parent who wanted a safe, affordable home to rear my children.

I found out about the Individual Development Account (IDA) program offered through Financial Services at IMPACT Community Action. Signing up for the IDA program was a simple non-intimidating process; however, buying a home was complex and admittedly, I felt a little discouraged at first. I looked at my income, I had no savings and no plan. But IMPACT and the Columbus Urban League (CUL) turned that all around for me.

I was enrolled in the CUL’s 700 Club and Home Buyer’s education course where I learned step by step everything that I needed to know about purchasing a home. Once I received financial coaching and completed my financial literacy requirements for IMPACT, I opened an IDA through Fifth Third Bank. I was required to save a minimum of $500 towards my goal.

I saved the first $500 within three months of my enrollment and continued to save until I had a total of $2,000 within a year. After saving the first $500, I then received an 8:1 match of $4,000 from IMPACT and Ohio CDC. I was happy and I was scared at the same time. I’ve been in Columbus only 5 years and have accomplished so much. I love roller coasters and this was the ride of a lifetime. Home buying and its ups and downs and rapid curves in paperwork. I was thrilled and still terrified but, with encouragement from my family and friends, I made a declaration to myself, “ok ‘D’ this is really happening.”

My loan application was approved through Habitat for Humanity and I finally had a palace that I could call home. I was able to participate in the construction of my new home from start to finish and purchase my home at a much lower cost.

When we sit at our dinner table, I look at my children Shianne and Dwayne and I am truly grateful to God for IMPACT Community Action, the Columbus Urban League, and Habitat for Humanity. Mayor Coleman used to say that Columbus is the best place to work, live, and raise a family. Well I say, Columbus is the best place to realize the American Dream...now I own my piece of the American dream.

Carolyn Thompson

Asset Development Program

Buy Car Program

“My husband used to tease me all the time about getting rid of the 2000 Chevy Impala that was purchased through IMPACT’s Buy Car Program. “You can let it go,” he’d say. But that little “hooptie” held great sentimental value and drove and my children around and right into self-sufficiency.”

Today I have a great career as a Certified Dental Assistant. I’m reliable, dependable, and confident in my field. My children are all honor roll students who excel in academics and athletics.

Most people don’t know that just a few years ago, I was a single mother with 4 children and had to navigate between home, school, grocery store, doctor’s appointments, etc. on a bus with a bicycle. I rode that bike to Columbus State Community College to complete my courses and become a certified Dental Lab Technician. I was determined to make a better life for myself and my family but transportation was my biggest barrier.

Then I heard about IMPACT Community Action’s Buy Car program through the Finance Fund. I remember saving every dime of that $1,333 to meet the criteria for the Individual Development Account that would match my investment 3:1 ($2,666) and allow me to purchase my vehicle. This program was my last and only hope of obtaining employment at a livable wage and becoming mobile with a growing family.

When I picked up my car and they placed the keys in my hands, I cried. The car care education and additional ownership information was invaluable. I was to perform routine maintenance on my vehicle, like checking the oil and tire pressure. I took good care of “Greenie” which made me more than prepared to take care of my next vehicle, a Buick Rendezvous.

I’m awesome and I feel really good about my life right now! I tell people all the time that all you need is that one opportunity that will turn your whole life around.

Kenneth David Wade

Building Futures Program

“If my life was a movie it would be titled, ‘Nothing Is Impossible,’ starring Kenneth David Wade. I am 62 years old and employed with a water sewage treatment plant. I make $24.50 an hour and none of this would have been possible without IMPACT’s Building Futures Program.”

I begin my movie with the happy ending because this is my new beginning...a beginning that started from a place of fear, doubt, and insecurity. I never thought that I would recover it all, but nothing is impossible.

An injury left me disabled and all of my confidence was gone. I’d worked all of my life. I started out at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation with a State Inspectors and Heavy Machine Equipment Operators License. I’ve never been fired and whenever I left a job it was for a better job that paid more money. I transferred from Local Union #323 located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Local Union #423 in Columbus, Ohio, and remained employed.

After the injury, the thought of living off a disability check, going back and forth to doctor’s appointments, and trying to manage my pain, scared the hell out of me. My life was completely shattered. I felt helpless and was residing in a men’s shelter, Faith on Grant, but thank God someone left a flier for the Building Futures Construction Trades program on the bulletin board.

I was in orientation seated in the midst of young men half my age and I began to doubt myself. A staff person told me that with my skills and knowledge I was more than qualified to be in that room. He looked me square in the eye and said, “If you want it, go after it. This opportunity is worth the frustration, anger, and doubt, but only if you want it.” Then when I told myself nothing is impossible.

In the classroom, there were no blurred lines. I felt an energy I hadn’t felt in a while, I was learning yet I struggled with the math...after all, I graduated in 1975. I’ve been out of school go 43 years but nothing is impossible. I received tutoring. The synergy of the teachers and students fed my confidence and I passed the aptitude test.

When Building Futures paid my reinstatement fee to the local #423 Laborers Union, I was back to the place I thought I had lost. I said to myself, “I will never lose this again.” IMPACT talk about the ripple effect, well this was mine. I graduated from the Building Futures program and received my tools. I was hired by Shook Construction and began work at the water sewage treatment plant. I started out making $24.50 an hour with the potential to make up to $29.00 an hour.

Then I got a call from the Community Shelter Board, they told me that I have housing and my first two months have already been paid. Roll the credits! IMPACT’s Building Futures program helped me build a brighter future for myself and my family. This is my story and I am living proof that, “Nothing is Impossible.”

Dasmine Wright

Achieve More & Prosper (A.M.P.) Program

“My 2-year old son, Caer Matthre Wright, is the center of my world. I want the best for him and despite all of the battles that I faced in my life, I know that there is a brighter tomorrow. That is why I believe in the future.”

I am 24 years old and was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from Focus Learning Academy and then attended Hocking Technical College in Nelsonville, Ohio. Unfortunately, I did not finish but I did enroll into the Job Corps in Puxico, Missouri. That opportunity led to a job with Memorial Hospital as an STNA in Springfield, Illinois where I learned about myself and others.

I was only 18 years old when I left home.I felt invincible and thought that I could accomplish anything, but in these 6 short years, I feel like I have lived a lifetime. While I was trying to discover my purpose and what I should do with my life, I realized that I needed support. The rules of engagement as an adult were certainly more complex. Responsibility and accountability for my actions and decisions were all mine. When I learned that I had a child on the way, I knew it was time for me to return home.

When I returned to Columbus, I fell on hard times and became homeless and unemployed. My son and I were placed in a group home and entered into a transitional housing program with the Huckleberry House. Soon I was able to obtain my own apartment.

While at the Huckleberry House, I heard about IMPACT Community Action’s Achieve More & Prosper (A.M.P.) Program. The A.M.P. program works with young people between the ages of 16 to 24 who need help with employment and workforce development. Since I had a background as an STNA, I initially signed up to take advantage of the phlebotomy classes. What I found was the support that I’d been searching for.

IMPACT offers comprehensive case management that is professional and personal. I felt like I was connected to people who cared about me and my son. More importantly, they wanted me to be successful. With some urging from my case manager, I decided to enroll in the Vocational Training and Certification Program (VTAC) and apply myself to a career that could secure financial stability for me and my son.

Incredibly, while I was enrolled in the VTAC program I was offered a part0time job with Savkon Construction LLC as an Administrative Assistant. Savkon Construction LLC is a Disabled Veteran Owned and Women Owned Small Business that provides renovation services. The knowledge and skills that I gained from VTAC program enabled me to communicate effectively with the construction workers, private contractors and owners. I understand the nature of the business and I can do the construction job! Once my son goes to school full-time, I will become a full-time employee and my future will be secure. I am thankful for the all of the love and support I received. VTAC has prepared me today to build the future for my son’s tomorrow.