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Bob’s parole officer told him about the Phoenix Life Skills Training program at The Milwaukee Outreach Center that helps people find direction and a job.  “What are you trying to get out of me?” was Bob’s first impression of the Center.  “Are you trying to use me for your own benefit?” was another thought that crossed his mind.

But something changed Bob’s doubts:  kindness!  “I was impressed by the discipline of the whole learning process of coming every day.  I learned things I didn’t know about myself and I experienced small acts of kindness throughout the week,” stated Bob.

Simple acts of kindness, such as a class offered to Bob at no cost and lunch served each day by volunteers, made it possible for Bob to trust the staff in helping him find purpose and direction.  This, however, wasn’t an easy week.  “At first I didn’t want to be here every day, but each day I saw the benefit of what was going on and the least I could do was to show up the next day,” he said.  “If you want help, you can’t keep a wall up.  If you can’t trust others, you will probably miss your opportunity for becoming a better person,” he continued.  “You have to remember that no one can make it in this world by himself.  You need God and others in your life,” he stated.

After graduating from the Phoenix class, Bob attended Equal Energy, the follow-up phase of the program.  This provided further instruction and the bouncing of job leads off of other members of the class.  Bob found his job by “staying positive” and following a lead from Project Return which came from Staffing Partners who was representing a sausage and meat processing company.

Today Bob works full-time in production.  His career goal is to return to college and complete his training in computer assisted design for engineering applications.

Bob advises other Phoenix Life Skills students to be patient and disciplined in their actions.  He added, “Everyone faces adversity so surround yourself with people who are positive.  Just seeing the look on my son’s face because I have a job is a huge encouragement to me.  I’m grateful for small things.  You just can’t focus on yourself.  If God sets something in front of you, believe that you can get it.”

Creating a personal mission statement is one of the activities students complete during their week-long class.  Bob’s mission is to “demonstrate, model and inspire excellence for myself, my family and others.”  The students also identify priorities for their lives.  Bob’s number one priority is to be “a godly man filled with the Holy Spirit and letting Him lead my actions on a daily basis.”

To this end he is active in his church saying, “I know that God is at work in my life.  All that you have to do is believe Jesus, have faith, pray, and do what He tells you to do ."

Will Hope (right), Interim Director, encourages
one of our Phoenix Life Skills Training students.

Phoenix students visit while taking a break.