Juan repairs the wreckage and rewrites his story

Meet Juan, a Cara participant who started his journey with us in February 2022 and is currently an Ice Specialist at Quari Handcrafted Ice. In honor of #GivingTuesday, he shares how he overcame his struggles and is paving a new path for himself.

Managing the wreckage

“There was a point where I wasn’t doing anything with my life. I was homeless, in and out of jail, and struggling with addiction. I caused a lot of wreckage: the drugs were severely affecting my health, I got in trouble with the law, and I had severed important relationships.

“I didn’t know how to manage the highs and the lows of my life. It was a constant struggle on how to properly react to things. I got to a place where I knew I needed help, I just didn’t know where to start.

Rebuilding my life

“Cleanslate came at the perfect time. I found it through Phoenix House, the recovery home I stay at. I needed a second chance, and the guidance on how to get my life back on track.

“I learned so much at Cleanslate, they gave me the tools to pick up the pieces and start over again. I needed that responsibility. It gave me a sense of community. I realized there are so many others like me, who were affected by what I was going through. I think I needed to realize that, because it helped me take a look in the mirror and realize how much I needed to change.

I needed a second chance, and the guidance on how to get my life back on track. Cleanslate gave me the tools to pick up the pieces and start over again.”

One day at a time

“When I first heard about becoming an Ice Specialist at Quari Handcrafted Ice from my coach at Cara, I couldn’t believe it was real. This is a job that is different than anything I’ve ever had before. I never knew something like it existed.

“It’s different working somewhere like Quari. I really get along with my coworkers and my supervisor. We’re all treated as equals and it feels like a team. It’s been nice having a community wherever I go. I feel lucky.

“Today, I’m just going to keep on keeping on. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I’m in a good place to just take it one day at a time.“

This season, your support of Cara Collective is critical to furthering our mission of eradicating poverty and increasing access, equity, and opportunity. Please consider making a financial gift this #GivingTuesday to support job seekers like Juan. Thank you for your support!