It’s an honor being here and seeing people that helped make me become a good man.
First, let me tell you a little about myself. I’m a sports kind of guy. I root for the Yankees and all the New York sports teams. I like movies—especially comedy and action films. I live at home with my family. I help out with the chores, like washing dishes and doing laundry.
I’m lucky to have attended the Work Readiness program, where I volunteered at many internships and had a great time. The two that I’m most proud of are the food pantry and the American Red Cross. The food pantry helped me develop organizational skills and learn to multi-task my assignments. The American Red Cross taught me how to be a team player and work with others.
The Work Readiness program is what gave me my start. Today, I am a part-time assistant mailroom supervisor at a Manhattan law firm. At first, I was anxious about my job. I wasn’t sure what to do and how to do it. But I had a job coach who gave me a lot of support and patience to help me become a successful employee.
When I heard about the Work Readiness program being cut, I felt badly for all the guys. I’ve been with the guys on the journey. They can’t afford to be without this program. It helps people become good employees and good people. How are they going to become good employees? If I didn’t have the Work Readiness program, I’d probably be doing nothing at home.
I have a twin brother–David–who attends a day habilitation program. I hope that someday he can participate in the Work Readiness program. . . . When he’s ready.
I would like to ask the New York City officials to please reconsider their decision to cut the Work Readiness program so people like me get opportunities to work.
Thank you.