Posted on Jan 25, 2016

Latoya Brown wouldn’t let her past limit her today.

Latoya first learned of Rise’s Pathways welfare-to-work programs in 2015 when she went to Hennepin County Social Services for assistance with employment and housing support for her and her family. Having been incarcerated, she needed help finding a good job.

“I’ve been called a lot of things in my life, but never a felon, and I didn’t know how to ‘wear’ that,” Latoya said.

After completing Rise’s orientation process and participating in weekly job club sessions at our Pathways office in South Minneapolis, Latoya felt more comfortable explaining her background to potential employers. Job Developer Hillary Thomas helped her find work through a temp agency, Atlas Staffing, doing warehouse, assembly, and packaging work at A-Plus Bindery. Latoya hopes to be hired on permanently at the bindery.

Building on her work success, Latoya is currently developing a career plan as well as working on empowerment management. Only after a few months of work support from Rise, and weekly domestic violence counseling service at a treatment center, Latoya says she has reclaimed her life.

“After I was released from incarceration, I was unemployed and I have to acknowledge Rise Pathways for all their help,” said Latoya. “It’s essential to have the support of people with experience on the other side, who have faced similar barriers. I really appreciate their help.”