Ernie came to Helping Up Mission in 2010, struggling with his addiction. A bright guy with skills, he just couldn’t stay clean and keep a good job.
An experienced floor care guy, Ernie went to work at the airport. When clean, he’s a great worker and that quickly became evident to his boss. Knowing he’s from HUM – Ernie put it out there – the boss let Ernie bring some other HUM guys in for interviews. Over a dozen guys now work with Ernie and he is a shift supervisor.
Originally from Virginia, Ernie’s continued living on campus in our graduate transitional housing. But, yesterday, he told me he is now moving into his own place here in the city – three and a half years after arriving at HUM.
But Ernie will still be back at HUM regularly. First to continue working on his HS diploma and second to connect with our Workforce Development Coordinator to get other guys hired at his place of employment. Five more actually start this weekend!
Ernie says HUM saved his life and he wants to give back. Man, this stuff really does work!
One Guy at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director