From Homelessness to Harrison

Monday, April 26, 2010

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Have you ever thought about the "comeback story" of someone who has faced homelessness? What most of us have heard is in the movies, like "Pursuit of Happiness," where the "plot" is excruciating and the ending is epic success. We relate to the lead character, celebrate their victory, and feel good about the justice of life as we turn off the DVD player and return to real life. Friends, we at The Christian Center experience this as real life on a regular basis! For many people facing homelessness, all they need is an advocate to support them, and we are exited, even anxious, to offer that support. Sometimes, however, that advocate comes in the form of someone who is in their very same position...

Randy Fosnot, resident at The Christian Center for about a year now, is going back to school. The obstacles were not enough to keep him and his determination where he has been; he knows what he is capable of and is ready to prove it. "When I came, my attitude was bad. I didn't want to listen to anybody, but I realized after a couple of months that people here believed in me. When I was working over in [The Christian Center Thrift Store Warehouse], it finally clicked when my supervisor had to tell me to do something 3 times. She said I was responsible for the job I'd been given. I realized she trusted me and that I could be doing better. It really sank it when I heard [Jon Nelson - Men's Program Assistant] say, 'I have faith in you.'"

Now, after months of preparation and encouragement, Randy is a new man with a new life mission. He is committed to graduate. He just began classes at the beginning of April at Harrison College to earn his Associates degree in Criminal Justice. What is more, he has a bigger fan base than ever. "The Harrison staff have been really supportive already, and let me know they'd be willing to help with any problems or questions I have." He has even more support in a fellow resident who has proved that success is possible…

That fellow resident, Jimmie Schuster, came to The Christian Center at his lowest point. He was homeless, battling alcoholism, estranged from his family, and uninspired. Like Randy, he came with a rotten attitude, convinced there was no hope for him. Defiance just didn't suit him though, and tough love helped him to see that. Shayne Tacket, now Operations Manager at TCC, was his supervisor in the receiving area in Jimmie's first few months as a resident. For anyone who knows Shayne, she is a nurturer, eager to connect and relate to those around her. She saw potential in this young man that he failed to see for himself. At first, she showed her disappointment specifically about his job responsibilities. When that didn't bring about results, she bluntly let him know that she wasn't going to let him to settle in mediocrity. "Shayne pushed me, told me I had potential. I finally acted on her instinct."

As Jimmie turned his life and attitude around, he began to live with a purpose. His roles at TCC took on greater responsibility. He was more often affirmed by staff, and Shayne continued to remind him what he could do. In September of 2008, Jimmie began classes at Harrison College for Business Management. "I've had more support than I ever knew there could be. Most of the faculty and staff know me by name and ask how I'm doing. They want me to succeed." He has offered the same encouragement to Randy and other residents who might consider furthering their education. He explains: "It's the perfect time to take advantage of going back to school. While a resident at TCC, your schedule can be flexible, you don't have to work a full time job, and you have a great support team in the staff here."

His latest goal: quit smoking. He hasn't smoked in three weeks. It's one of the last steps in his total life transformation.

Randy and Jimmie are pioneering a path for future residents to consider for their lives. They are proving that no matter where you are or where you've been, there is a chance to live to a greater potential. We are excited to see where they go with their degrees, and maybe even more, to see how others are inspired by what they have done.