Empowering Change: Josh Wilson’s Journey Through Repowered

Empowering Change: Josh Wilson’s Journey Through Repowered

Josh Wilson’s journey is one of profound transformation. From years spent incarcerated to becoming a valued board member of Repowered and a committed employee at Minneapolis Public Works, his story is a testament to the power of second chances and the transformative impact of the Repowered program.

A History of Incarceration and Rebuilding Trust

Josh Wilson’s life was profoundly shaped by his struggles with addiction and incarceration, spending 22 years battling substance abuse and being incarcerated four times, including multiple stints at Hennepin County Jail. His criminal history, compounded by his addiction, made reintegration into society a daunting challenge. After being released, Josh faced the uphill task of rebuilding his life—seeking stable employment, and earning back the trust of others. Despite his determination to change, his past created barriers that made it difficult to gain opportunities and rebuild trust in the community. 

It was during this period of struggle that Josh encountered Repowered, a program that would offer him the structure, guidance, and opportunities he had long been missing. Repowered gave Josh the tools he needed to rebuild his life, create a future, and regain his confidence.

Why Repowered? Josh’s Decision and Experience

When Josh first heard about Repowered, he was looking for a way to rebuild his life and regain his confidence after years of struggles. His decision to join the program came with the hope of finding the support, guidance, and opportunities he needed to move forward. “Repowered gave me confidence back,” Josh says, reflecting on the key impact the program had on him.

What stood out to Josh most about Repowered was the strong sense of support and trust it offered. Unlike anything he had experienced before, Repowered wasn’t just about giving him a job; it was about helping him grow as an individual. The program gave him the opportunity to take ownership of his future, provide feedback, and feel like his contributions mattered. As one of the program’s earliest employees (#4), Josh was given a real chance to influence the way things were done, which was empowering. “It wasn’t just about me doing my job—it was about me getting involved, providing feedback, and being a part of something bigger,” Josh recalls.

Through this supportive environment, Josh was able to focus on rebuilding not just his work history, but also his self-worth. The structure and guidance Repowered provided were instrumental in helping him regain confidence, build responsibility, and develop new skills that set him on a path to success.

Overcoming Challenges: Trust, Rejection, and Resilience

One of the greatest challenges Josh faced when he joined Repowered was rebuilding trust—both from others and within himself. Repowered didn’t just offer him a chance to work; they entrusted him with significant responsibilities. For example, Josh was given a company credit card, an opportunity to prove he could handle responsibility despite his past. “Even though I had been involved in credit card fraud, they trusted me to fill up the truck,” he recalls. This was a pivotal moment in rebuilding his self-worth and proving to himself that he could be trusted again.

Rejection, too, was a major obstacle. With his criminal history, Josh faced many “no’s” when trying to find stable work. But Repowered encouraged him to keep going, providing the support and structure he needed to push past those rejections. “Repowered gave me the structure, the experience, and the opportunity to change,” Josh says. With this support, Josh was able to prove himself as a reliable and trustworthy employee.

Where Josh is Now: A Story of Progress

Today, Josh’s life is a powerful example of the transformation that Repowered helped make possible. After completing the program, Josh was able to obtain another job, which eventually led to him owning his own business for a short period of time. Although the business venture was brief, it marked an important step in his journey toward self-sufficiency and confidence.

Josh has since worked at Minneapolis Public Works for over five years, becoming an integral part of the Street Department. He drives Bobcats and Dump Trucks, is training to become a Foreman, and is proud of the career path he has built. His personal life has flourished too: Josh is remarried, a homeowner, and more confident than ever. His story reflects not only his personal growth but also the transformative power of second chances and hard work.

His success has extended beyond his own life—Josh is now a board member of Repowered, giving back to the program that helped him rebuild his future.

Featuring (Josh & His Wife)

Advice for Those Considering Repowered

For anyone considering joining Repowered, Josh offers this advice: “Be open. Be willing to do it someone else’s way, not your way.” His willingness to embrace guidance and adapt has been key to his success, and it’s a message he shares with others who are looking for a second chance.

Looking forward, Josh plans to continue working with Minneapolis Public Works, aiming for a management position. He also hopes to help others fulfill their dreams and change their lives, just as Repowered helped him fulfill his own.

Final Thoughts: A Life Transformed 

Josh Wilson’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of Repowered. Unlike the prison system, which offered limited opportunities for growth, Repowered gave Josh the structure, mentorship, and trust he needed to rebuild his life. Josh final words to anyone at Repowered is: “You can be whoever you want to be”