Meet Jamaal. This edition of our Generosity at Work series features a WorkForce Development Training graduate who went from homelessness to hopefulness.
After entering Star of Hope, a Christ-centered community supporting Houston’s homeless men, women and children, “Jovial” Jamaal found himself at the beginning of a new life. Jamaal had tried to live life on his own terms and in his own way. But that led him to a life of drugs, alcohol, and pain. He ended up homeless on the streets of California. His dad pleaded with him to come to Texas and get help, leading him to Star of Hope.
Upon entering WorkFaith’s 5-Day Workforce Development Training, Jamaal thought he could do it all on his own. He soon realized how much he had to learn. Jamaal greatly benefited from allowing others in the training to rally around him in support. Throughout the class, Jamaal found the homework to be a challenge, but he fought through and proudly graduated with his class in January 2020.
Jamaal came into coaching ready to follow the guidance and knowledge he received from the Workforce Development Training. He showed up for coaching appointments on time and ready to work. He spent time in the computer lab applying for jobs and asking for support when he got stuck. And Jamaal relied on the coaching team when he became fearful, overwhelmed, or discouraged because he knew that no matter what the price, achieving his goals would make it all worth it. He attended WorkFaith Academy right after graduation, and the discussion around change and transition could not have come at a better time for him. He was relentless in his pursuit of employment and growth and now works full-time as a Server. While being a server was his primary job focus, he is looking ahead to what the future could hold, while being present in the season he is in.
For most of his life, Jamaal has run from God but now knows that anywhere with God is home. His faith has been strengthened by knowing that the men and women he sat with in the Workforce Development Training are going through journeys similar to his own.