“I am a testament to the power of Cara…”

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jesse! As I prepare to retire from my 23-year career at Cara Collective, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey, this incredible community, and the legacy I hope we continue to build together.

My time with Cara began in March 2002, during one of the darkest chapters of my life. My house was in foreclosure. I was filing for bankruptcy. I had lost my job of 18 years. And after a relapse that nearly destroyed everything, I was living in a recovery home trying to rebuild from the ground up.

One day, an organization came to speak at the home. It was Cara. A few guys were already in the program and spoke highly of it. I didn’t know if it would work for me, but I knew I needed to reinvent myself. I remember thinking, I have nothing left to lose. So, I walked into Cara with uncertainty, desperation, and the smallest flicker of hope.

Back then, the program was still young – just two weeks long, still forming. But the essence of today’s Cara was already there: structure, expectations, values, and a deep belief in people. The community we built in that room changed me. We were a group carrying shame and disappointment, but also strength. We held one another up. We told the truth about our lives. Slowly, dignity returned.

My first jobs through Cara? I worked the front desk. Helped open the clothing closet. Handed out newspapers downtown for minimum wage. Those early jobs weren’t glamorous, but they taught me the most important lesson of my life: there is no small job when you’re trying to save your own life.

My transition to staff happened the way most things did for me – by showing up. I built an organized, disciplined job search system for myself. Staff noticed. Before long, that binder became the system for every participant. That became my first staff role: Student Liaison.

From there, I became an Assistant Trainer, then a Trainer. When we launched Cleanslate, I briefly left the classroom to become the first Crew Supervisor – helping put in place the standard of excellence that made Cleanslate what it is today.

No the matter the role, I never stopped teaching and, eventually, I became the Director of Training & Alumni Affairs.

I remember when I first stepped into the classroom to teach. I was nervous, but ready. And the moment I stood in front of that cohort, something clicked. I could truly impact someone’s life in a meaningful way. Today, I’ve helped give hope to more than 200 cohorts, more than 20,000 job seekers.

As I end this important chapter of my life, I ask you from the bottom of my heart: Will you invest in hope? Will you invest in dignity? Will you invest in our collective legacy?

Your gift today doesn’t just support a program. It ignites transformation. It restores families. It rebuilds lives. It strengthens the legacy we’ve built together and ensures it continues long after I’m gone.

I am a testament to the power of Cara, as are the thousands who have come after me. Thank you for believing in our mission and us.

With gratitude and hope,
Jesse Teverbaugh
Cara Participant. Trainer. Leader
A man who showed up, every day, for 23 years.

Explore Jesse’s Transformation Timeline.

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