I had just been released from a halfway house after serving a lengthy prison term. I was in the process of transitioning back into the community when I made the decision to return to church. I wanted a new life, but I needed help. Much of that help came from a good man I met at church. He guided me to those who were willing to assist me.

I was able to obtain a referral to the Deseret Industries training program and enrolled in services through Vocational Rehabilitation, a government program. DI and Vocational Rehabilitation established a plan where I could reach my goal for becoming a welder. Vocational Rehabilitation paid for the training program and Deseret Industries helped me develop work behaviors, find suitable housing, and offered me emotional support as I worked toward getting off of probation.

I successfully completed the welding program and signed up at the LDS Employment Resource Services Center to begin looking for a new job. I was offered a business partnership where I was able to use my new welding skills and improve upon them. Deseret Industries paid my wages while I gained this invaluable experience. With good training and the additional experience from the business partnership, I was able to find a good job. I now have a new life.