Ten years into his career as a barber, Anthony found himself in an on-the-job altercation that led him to serve five years in prison. While incarcerated, Anthony reflected on his career and his future.

Upon his release from prison, Anthony's brother recommended that he check out LA:RISE social enterprise partner Chrysalis for assistance in restarting his career. At the time, Anthony was working in a warehouse, but he found the work to be unfulfilling. He wanted more of a challenge and knew he had to search for better opportunities.

With the help of Chrysalis and an employment specialist, Anthony created a resume, prepared for interviews, and polished his soft skills. Anthony said that Chrysalis encouraged him to develop a strong work ethic and taught him how to communicate with his colleagues better. He also learned how to conduct himself professionally in interviews and the workplace, and how to work virtually using applications like Zoom.

Eventually, he was hired by Chrysalis' Roads Program and shortly after that, he was referred to LA:RISE.

Anthony views his time in the Roads program as not just a job, but as preparation for the next steps in his career. He learned to be vigilant of his surroundings and to work alongside people from different backgrounds. While working on the highways, Anthony would look at semi-trucks passing by and envision driving them himself.

After Anthony enrolled in LA:RISE, he worked closely with a career coach to sign up for a truck driving course. Anthony graduated from the course and earned his Class A license. He is now working as a full-time truck driver for West Coast Sands and Gravel. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities and support he received from Chrysalis and the West LA America's Job Center of California. In the future, he hopes to start his own trucking company.

Anthony said that he is proud that he is able to work and provide for himself, especially after being out of prison. His advice for other LA:RISE participants trying to get back on their feet?

"Have faith in your ideas and don't give up."

EWDD is a leadership team partner of LA:RISE, an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of Los Angeles’ Workforce Development System with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help people with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.

The City’s WorkSource Centers and LA:RISE prioritize individuals recently released from prison, the unsheltered or those at risk of homelessness, and youth ages 18-24 who are neither in school nor employed. After working in a transitional job at a social enterprise, leveraging WorkSource Center training and services, LA:RISE participants are placed in permanent jobs within the private or the public sector.