Turning Challenges into Confidence – Jeremiah’s Journey



Creation Date: 09/12/2025


Name: Jeremiah Irvin
Career Pathway: Not Available
Location of Service: 60426-4243
Program: DHS - Youth Program for Employment & Education
Organization: DHS - CEDACC

Program Details



When Jeremiah first joined our youth internship program, he carried the weight of several difficult life circumstances. Struggling to maintain employment, he also faced overwhelming stress at home due to serious health issues within his family and acting as the father figure for his siblings. On top of that, a lack of reliable transportation funds made getting to work or job interviews nearly impossible. These challenges began to take a toll, not only on his opportunities but also on his ability to stay hopeful about the future.

But from the moment he stepped into our program, something shifted. Through our carpentry training, he found more than just a new skill; he found a healthy distraction and a renewed sense of purpose. The hands-on nature of the work gave him something to focus on, something productive and empowering. As he began building with his hands, he also started rebuilding his confidence.

With direct coaching and one-on-one case management, Jeremiah was able to create a realistic plan for his future. He began setting career goals that once felt out of reach and took concrete steps toward achieving them. Recognizing transportation as a significant barrier, we gave him gas cards to ensure he could consistently attend the program. And he did. He also met his attendance expectations and showed up physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to grow.

Today, Jeremiah is thriving. He’s using the skills and confidence gained through our program to pursue a future he once thought was out of reach. More than just job-ready, he is future-focused, equipped with tools, experience, and a renewed belief in his potential. Despite everything he’s faced, he chose to show up, and now he’s building a life he’s proud of, one step at a time.