Kenneth’s story is a great example of how Inspiration Corporation is working every day to improve the lives of those affected by homelessness and poverty.  Two years ago, Kenneth lost his forklift operating job when his company relocated.  Kenneth had held this job for 11 years and was at a loss for how to reenter the workforce.

I had been working since I was 15.  I’d never been in a position where I had to ask for things.

Kenneth exhausted his savings.  After moving in with his mother in a Near North housing project where he grew up, he heard about Inspiration Corporation’s food service training program from a Café Too graduate and attended an orientation.

Despite starting with, “No culinary skills, whatsoever,” Kenneth excelled in his classes and graduated in March of 2010.  He is now working fulltime with benefits at the Margaret Manor Home, an assisted living community, as a dietary cook.

One thing I discovered is you’re so qualified when you graduate [the Café Too program].  You can really compete.  I was surprised at how much I knew.

He and his mother were able to move out of their housing project and into a newer building.  Kenneth says that his mother took care of him while he was unemployed, and now he is proud to be taking care of her.

Success and personal transformation is possible for anyone, no matter what their situation is or what barriers they are facing.  But no one can make such tremendous progress without a helping hand.