michael & clara
Pioneer has been such an important part of our story. We first met when we were transitioning back into the community from federal prison at Pioneer Fellowship House. I was devastated and full of shame, but the people who worked at the reentry center helped me overcome that – they helped me see my worth again.
Michael had even more to overcome. He had spent 22 years in prison so the whole world had changed while he was inside. Pioneer staff helped him navigate so many things – getting an ID card, his social security card, a cell phone. After looking for a job and facing rejection over and over because of his record, they referred him to Pioneer Industries for an inventory job.
We both got apartments through Pioneer when we left the reentry center. That allowed us to save up, get a bigger place together and have my son move home with us.
“I was devastated and full of shame, but the people who worked at the reentry center helped me overcome that – they helped me see my worth again.”
Currently, we both work at Pioneer Industries. It’s allowed me to put my office skills to use and I love greeting everyone as they come into the building. Michael has been promoted several times – he’s always the first to volunteer to take on a new project and learn something new – and we’re both so proud of all he has accomplished. We’re thankful to work in a place where we are valued for our skills and not judged for our past – and where we have the opportunity to learn and grow while providing a good life for our family.
Today we own our own home, we go on vacations, we have a beautiful garden, and Michael grows and cans food for the whole year. We built all of that together. Pioneer gave us the opportunity and the support to build lives that we love and are proud of!
