Re-entry Success at the Urban League of Metro. Seattle

Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Integrated Services Participant Success Story

January 2017

James G.’s story of resiliency and success through the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s Career Bridge class is noteworthy and commendable. James' early life decisions led him to juvenile detention centers, jails and eventually prison. According to James, while sitting in prison last year he simply had an awakening. He began to realize that his life's decisions affected more than just him. They affected his kids, brothers, cousins, mother, sister and overall his community. In that moment, he decided to consciously do things differently upon release.

While attending an "Undoing Racism" workshop and seeking employment he was approached by an Urban League case manager, Liletha Williams. Ms. Williams told James all about  Career Bridge program and how it could help his forward progress tremendously. James says he was "sold." He signed up the following week and received much more than he expected from the class.

During class, James was an active participant in all group discussions, very respectful, pleasant to be around and continuously exuded positive energy in and outside of class. His hunger for knowledge and self-betterment was so evident we had no choice but to have him speak at the joint Men and Women Career Bridge class graduation. He made us and his family proud as he eloquently spoke to the large audience about his transformation, what he's learned from the class and how he's excited to embark upon his new journey post Career Bridge. 

James attained employment with the help of ULMS job developer, Christine Jones, and is now working full-time at United Recycling. James is now a busy man doing positive things.  In addition to working at United Recycling and as a mentor, he's also a volunteer football coach with the Central District Panthers. He says his little league team is one of the best in the league and he's proud that he's been able to play a part in keeping youngsters focused on positivity opposed to negativity.

Throughout the integrated services that James has received, he also has received financial coaching from Linda Taylor, ULMS Housing Director and lead Financial Coach.  Ms. Taylor says, “James was an extremely attentive student while in the Credit and Budget class.  He followed up with the dispute letters to his creditors clearing items that did not belong to him.  His follow-through with credit assignments and continuing to chart all expenses will add to his success.” He continues to meet with her now to build his credit in hopes to purchase a home.

The Urban League has been able to assist him by paying his insurance bill, providing him with employment, getting him moved into Tabernacle transitional house and will be helping him with his financial budget very soon. James' overall vision is to get into a career preferably in the field of sales but ultimately wants to give back to the community that he spent so long taking away from.

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