Carmen’s Success Story

Carmen's journey is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering hope for a second chance. As a single mother, she faced overwhelming challenges, and without the support she needed, she made choices that led her down a dark path. Carmen was sentenced to prison, and for five long years, she and her 17-year-old son, Elijah, were separated during some of the most critical years of his life. Milestones like his graduation came and went, moments Carmen longed to share with him. Elijah went to live with his grandmother, and while they were physically apart, Carmen's love for him never wavered.

In prison, Carmen made a choice—a choice to fight for a better future. She took advantage of every opportunity, starting with earning her GED. Then she went even further, enrolling at Ashland University, where she’s pursuing a major in communications and a minor in sociology. Carmen's commitment to her education paid off—she is an honor student, and by the end of 2025, she will proudly participate in a graduation ceremony, a powerful symbol of her determination to rewrite her story.

When Carmen was released, The Worker was there, ready to give her the soft landing she needed. Through a partnership with Televerde Foundation, Carmen entered The Worker’s new Workforce Villages Reentry Program. This unique 30-day opportunity offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals re-entering society to decompress and find employment. She quickly found a job in sales, and with that, the door opened for her to join Workforce Villages, our 90-day transitional housing program focused on employment and using your own savings to secure market rate housing.

During her time in Workforce Villages, Carmen learned crucial life skills—how to budget, save, and even meal-plan on less than $5 per meal. She took control of her future, saving $5,000 in her 90 days. And the most important part? She and her son were reunited, moving into their own apartment. Today, Elijah is thriving in his career at Amazon, and Carmen is building a future they both can be proud of.

Carmen’s story is a testament to the power of second chances, education, and the community of support The Worker provides.

When Carmen was released, The Worker was there, ready to give her the soft landing she needed. Through a partnership with Televerde, Carmen entered The Worker’s 30-day housing program, a safe and supportive environment for individuals re-entering society. Soon after, she found a job in sales, and with that, the door opened for her to join The Worker’s Workforce Villages, a 90-day transitional housing program focused on employment and stability.

During her time in Workforce Villages, Carmen learned crucial life skills—how to budget, save, and even meal-plan on less than $5 per meal. She took control of her future, saving $5,000 in just 90 days. And the most important part? She and her son were reunited, moving into their own apartment. Today, Elijah is thriving in his career at Amazon, and Carmen is building a future they both can be proud of.