How Dreams Come True

John B. A devastating memory: “I was broke, destitute, an alcoholic, and a crack addict.”

John (the man on the left) lived in the woods, in a pick-up truck. He was alienated from his family. He had no driver’s license and no truck registration. What little income he had came from day labor.

Finally one day, John cried out to God. He admitted he couldn’t break out of his destructive life on his own. That’s when he connected with WorkNet.

Ten years before, Here’s Life Inner City had encountered this well-researched curriculum, the “WorkNet Model of Career Development/Job Placement for the Difficult-to-Place.”

WorkNet helps pinpoint an individual’s barriers to employment success and helps to overcome them. It helps people zero in on their “dream job,” identify an entry-career job they’re qualified to do today, and design a career path that moves them toward their goals.

WorkNet sessions always include Bible study and conversation about faith in Christ.

Several Here’s Life staff were trained as WorkNet trainers, and through the years they have adapted it to fit the needs of our partner ministries.

But John might never have connected with WorkNet if it hadn’t been for Vikki.

Vikki Arneault serves as a deputy in the St. Johns County Jail in St. Augustine, Florida. To Vikki, it’s not just a job; it’s a mission.

But Vikki kept seeing men and women returning to prison because they didn’t have the skills and the resolve to remain free. Then she learned about the WorkNet program Here’s Life offered.

Vikki took a WorkNet training, and, back in St. Augustine, she set up sessions both in jail and in a nearby ministry center, where she could lead the program for both ex-offenders and others.

The first WorkNet sessions began last summer, and John was part of the first group.

“The great thing was, in this program I wasn’t treated like who I was, but for who I could be,” John remembers. “It helped me to begin again.”

John quickly made progress, not only with the program but also in a relationship with God. Today he’s a Christ-follower and a happier man. He has a solid job in construction, he’s paid off his debts, he’s renewed his driver’s license, he’s tagged and insured his truck, he lives in a nice home — and he’s become a part of Vikki’s church!

He’s also making good progress toward his new dream: to be reconciled with his three sons.

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