After a long history of challenges dating back to 1998, with charges ranging from smuggling to aggravated assault with a firearm, Tommy faced a cycle of incarceration that could have easily defined his life. But Tommy refused to let his past dictate his future.
In 2023, Tommy was released from prison for the last time. Instead of falling back into old habits, he made the courageous decision to turn his life around. With the support of Goodwill’s ARPA program, Tommy gained the education and trade skills needed to rebuild his life, learning the HVAC trade and opening doors he once thought were closed forever.
Today, he works full-time in the field at Air Xperts earning $25 an hour, bought himself a car, and completed parole with flying colors. Perhaps most inspiring is Tommy’s commitment to staying sober and giving back to others. His dedication to mentoring individuals who are walking similar paths shows that his
transformation isn’t just personal—it’s a commitment to lifting others up as well.
Tommy’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. His life, once marked by struggle and mistakes, now shines as a beacon of hope for anyone who believes that real change is possible.