Hope for the Future: Chris’s Path with Repowered

From Setbacks to Success: One Individual’s Journey Through the Repowered Work Readiness Program

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris, our new eCommerce Shipping Specialist! Chris just graduated from the Repowered Work Readiness Program about two months ago. I wanted to learn more about his journey and how Repowered’s Work Readiness Program impacted him. Here’s his story so far.

Before joining the Repowered Work Readiness Program, Chris faced significant challenges. A few years ago, he was involved in a computer-related crime, which led to time in prison. After serving his sentence, Chris spent three months at a halfway house, where he learned about Repowered through a fellow resident. This moment marked a turning point in his journey toward rebuilding his life and career.

Why Chris Applied to Repowered

With a background in Network IT and engineering, Chris was eager to get back into the tech world. The idea of working with technology again at Repowered excited him. He saw it as an opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful way, especially after being justice-involved. He was also eager to learn about the different programs that Repowered offers to people impacted by the justice system.

Overcoming Challenges

However, joining the program wasn’t without its challenges. Chris, who has cerebral palsy, was accustomed to office work and technology-based roles, so he found the physical nature of some tasks at Repowered to be a surprise. The work required more lifting, walking, and standing than he was used to. But Repowered was incredibly accommodating. When Chris needed assistance, the team provided him with tools to make his job easier. These included a vice installed at his desk, a tape dispenser box, and a cart to help move materials more easily. This support made a significant difference, allowing him to fully engage with the work despite the physical demands.

Chris, eCommerce Shipping Specialist at Repowered, Photography by Scott Streble.

Key Learning and Skills Gained

One of the most valuable aspects of the Repowered program was the exposure to electronics recycling, a field Chris had never worked in before. He learned about the various types of batteries, memory, and other components that make up electronic waste. Repowered’s structured, detailed approach to recycling equipped him with new skills that not only contributed to the company’s success but also helped him build a solid foundation for his future career aspirations.

Support for Transitioning to Employment

The transition to employment was another area where Repowered offered extensive support. Chris was connected to Minnesota Rehabilitative Services, which helped him find new job opportunities. Repowered also ensured he had access to resources like computers for job searching and helped him refine his resume on platforms like Indeed. The director of talent, Jay, assisted with his resume and guided him through potential career paths.

While Chris was offered support to find other employment, he chose to stay at Repowered. The company’s treatment of him, along with its convenient location and the trust and safety he felt there, made it a perfect fit. After completing the program, Chris was hired as an eCommerce Shipping Specialist, a position he has now held for about two months.

Reflections on the Job and Future Aspirations

Chris is excited to be part of the eCommerce team, where he contributes to the company’s success in a meaningful way. He values being part of a team that drives revenue and adds value to the organization. While he enjoys his current role, Chris’s long-term goal is to return to the IT field, and he sees his position at Repowered as a stepping stone to rebuild his reputation and show the community that he can be trusted again.

The skills he gained through the Repowered program have given him a strong foundation for achieving his career aspirations. Chris hopes that his continued stability at Repowered will allow him to give back to the community. As an electronic recycler, refurbisher, and second-chance provider, Repowered aligns with his desire to help others rebuild their lives, just as he has.

Advice for Future Participants

For anyone considering joining the Repowered program, Chris’s advice is simple: “Show up every day ready to work, work hard, and know that hard work does not go unnoticed.” The program gives people the chance to rebuild their lives without judgment, especially for those who have been justice-impacted or who may face physical limitations.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on his experience, Chris believes the most valuable part of the Repowered program was the hope it gave him. It provided an opportunity for someone with his past to re-enter the workforce and be treated with dignity and respect. Now that he has been hired, Chris is excited to continue growing in his career and developing his skills. He believes that programs like Repowered not only help individuals but also create a ripple effect that benefits the broader community by improving workforce readiness and career advancement opportunities.

Chris’s story is a testament to the power of second chances, the importance of support, and the transformative impact of programs that believe in people’s potential.

If you’d like to support the work Repowered does and help individuals like Chris achieve redemption and rebuild their lives, we invite you to donate or share these blog posts. Your support can help create more opportunities for people to transform their futures.

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