Meet some Towards Employment graduates. Their jobs are spreading positive ripples… to their families, communities and the Greater Cleveland economy.

Romell Stephens, Housing Rehab Worker, ASAP General Contractor

Attitude matters – and Romell’s is this: “If you make up your mind to better yourself and get on the right path, that’s the place to start!” After a 3-year prison sentence on drug charges and trying to support two young children and a wife, Romell took it seriously when he went through the Towards Employment program for ex-offenders. “I showed up on time and followed the rules. I was computer illiterate – so this was awesome. Nowadays you need computer skills because most jobs are online,” says Romell. He does general rehab work and is training under a journeyman carpenter. “Towards Employment set me up with transportation, tools, and steel-toed boots. And they still check up with my supervisor. I’m grateful…and want to show it by being reliable and doing a good job.”

Tracie Marsh, Evergreen Cooperative Laundry

“This is a great opportunity. We have a state-of-the-art facility here, the first of its kind in Ohio!” You can hear Tracie Marsh’s passion for her new role with Evergreen Cooperative Laundry, the first of a network of employee-owned businesses. Tracie spent many years working factory jobs through a temp agency and taking college courses at Tri-C. But one criminal offense in her background made it difficult to move into a permanent job or career. After participating in Towards Employment’s four-week job readiness program for ex-offenders, Tracie felt confident in her professionalism and her potential. “Towards Employment was a great support. They tell you to believe in yourself and not give up,” says Tracie.