In 2015, David Green left his home in Delaware to embark on a journey that would transform his life. Fresh out of college with a degree in Sports Management, he packed his bags and headed to New York City, ready to chase his dreams and experience life in the Big Apple. Little did he know the road ahead would be filled with unexpected obstacles and challenges, including unemployment and a constant threat of homelessness.
Thankfully, fate intervened when David crossed paths with ACE. ACE connected him with temporary housing and enrolled him in our vocational program. ACE wasted no time giving him the help he needed. David embraced everything ACE had to offer and began his journey toward economic independence. David recalls, “ACE provided me with countless opportunities, taught me valuable lessons, and most importantly, they believed in me.”
During the program, David earned a Custodial Maintenance Certification, paving the way for a secure and stable future. With support from ACE, he landed a job at JFK Airport, gaining valuable work experience. David continued to progress in his career, later securing employment as a delivery driver with Amazon.
During a meeting with David in October of 2022, ACE management recognized his outstanding potential and leadership qualities and offered him a full-time position as a field supervisor for ACE’s sanitation initiative. He now supervises a team of ACE participants, offering them guidance and support as they embark on their own journeys towards self-sustainability.
But David’s impact extends far beyond the role of a supervisor. In addition to providing real-time coaching and guidance, he acts as a role model for ACE participants – a living example of what they can achieve if they work hard and apply the lessons learned in ACE’s programs. David’s professionalism, leadership qualities, and personal experiences make him an incredibly relatable and inspiring figure to those he serves.
David’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience. Through ACE’s empowering initiatives, individuals are given the tools and support to rise above their circum- stances and unleash their full potential. David’s story and those of others who have overcome barriers to employment serve as an example of the effectiveness of ACE’s programs and lifelong support networks. It serves as a reminder that dreams can be achieved with dedication, support, and unwavering determination.
Today, David takes immense pride in guiding others, just as he was once guided on his own path. His experience, dedication, and natural leadership abilities make him an emerging leader within the organization. His story inspires others, serving as a potent reminder that no matter how daunting the circumstances may seem, success is always possible with persistence and the proper support.
