Reno City Council chambers rang with applause and shouts of “congratulations!” for 9 new Reno Works graduates today (Tuesday). The event marked Day 1 of a new life for Daniel Dean...light years away from unemployment, homelessness, and losing what little money he had. When the landlord raised the rent on his 4th Street apartment, “I went down to the local casino and thought I'd double it, but I ended up losing it."
Christopher Stout, his classmate and fellow graduate in the program had a life in ruins from alcohol addiction. A year ago today he was sleeping in a Reno park, “Till one day it started getting cold, so I came down and she just handed me an application and I filled it out. I was one of 12."
9 made it to this graduation day, and this room filled with their helpers and family members. It wasn't easy for any of them. Christopher had a hard time putting his pride aside to ask for help, "Because I'm an independent type of guy. But these guys, they'll bend over backwards for you." Pat Cashell of Volunteers of America told me the program “offers help, and if you take advantage of it, their odds of success skyrocket."
Reno Works is a 12-week program that gives homeless shelter residents who sign up, classes focused on life and job skills while they work cleaning up parks, the river or in public facilities. Cashell says, "You've got to show up and be present, and face some of your demons and work on confidence and self-esteem. Its hard work, it’s hard. You gotta dig really deep in order to pull your way out of this. So this is just the beginning."
From homelessness, to full-time employment and housing, all in 12 weeks. It’s A big step for Christopher, who says he'll never go back to what left him with nothing. As he put it, “Its done wonders for me and my life. It's brought my family back together. My dad's here."
And there's no going back for Daniel Dean. Along with the skills, he learned a lesson for life: “They helped me get in touch with who I really am."
Reno Works has been in operation for 4 years and has graduated a total of 82. They're always looking for a bit of help to continue their work. If you can donate or become a sponsor, we have a link for you below:
