Jason faced barriers to stability including homelessness, lack of transportation, unemployment, chemical dependency and criminal justice involvement. In March 2023, he took a step toward change by enrolling in Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) FATHER Project to start building a new future.
“I attended 77 parenting groups; I earned my state of Minnesota boiler operating license and I’ve maintained full-time employment since December 2023,” Jason said. Each achievement marked a major milestone on his journey to stability and independence.
Strengthening Family Bonds
While job skills and career support were important, Jason also found personal growth through parenting support. “FATHER Project’s parenting classes helped me work on my parenting and communication skills as I continue to build healthy relationships with my children,” Jason said.
“I recently traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to witness and celebrate my son’s graduation from fire training. He’s now employed as a full-time firefighter for the Raleigh Durham fire department,” Jason proudly shared.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
Jason is pleased with how far he’s come. “I’m employed full-time as a maintenance engineer with Hennepin County. I advanced to this position in June 2024,” he shared.
He’s also using his voice to inspire change. In February 2025, Jason joined FATHER Project staff and alumni at the Minnesota Capitol, where he testified before the Senate Jobs Committee in support of GESMN’s FATHER Project bill to continue state funding for FATHER Project’s job services in 2026 and 2027. “I urge you to continue to support FATHER Project so more and more dads across Minnesota can follow in my footsteps,” Jason added.
Each year, GESMN serves over 5,600 Minnesotans, including 27% who are justice-involved, creating career possibilities through nearly 20 free career and job training services.
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