NRCA_AnnualRep17-18

Participant Spotlight: NRCA Virginia CARES participant Billy Norris, Jr. received the 2017-2018 Cindy Martin Award, presented by Virginia CARES, Inc. each year to a client that demonstrates outstanding participation utilizing program resources, excellent community service and strives to become self-sufficient. Prior to Billy’s release from Montgomery County jail, Linda Jilk, GED instructor at the jail, contacted NRCA Virginia CARES staff members informing them that Billy was scheduled to be released, would be homeless and might benefit from case management services. Linda had worked with Billy through the jail’s GED program and had been impressed with his work ethic and attitude throughout the instruction. Following two years incarceration, Billy chose not to return to his home town in West Virginia because he felt this would lead to failure. Billy has struggled with alcoholism and knew he needed to change his environment.

Billy Norris, Jr. at his current work site, Bill’s Used Auto Parts. Billy is holding the Virginia Cares, Inc. Cindy Martin Award certificate and is joined by NRCA Virginia CARES staff Nikki Powell and Krista Davy.

Once released, Billy entered the NRCA To Our House men’s winter homeless shelter. Virginia CARES staff members first met Billy in winter 2018 and were immediately impressed with his willingness to open up and share some of the obstacles he faced. He was anxious and nervous about starting over in a relatively new place. He had no family support locally and was afraid of what the future might hold for him. Billy began working with Nikki Powell, NRCA Virginia CARES Employment Specialist, and quickly completed the interview skills and resume building workshops. Nikki then worked with Billy to search for jobs where he could use his mechanical skills. Fortunately, Nikki had already built a strong relationship with Bill’s Used Auto Parts and was able to obtain an interview for Billy. He was hired soon after. Billy stayed at To Our House through the winter of 2018 but was in danger of being displaced again once the shelter’s season ended. Thankfully the New River Valley Reentry Council, in collaboration with NRCA Virginia CARES, had received grant funding from Blacksburg Presbyterian Church to assist homeless ex-offenders with housing needs. Virginia CARES staff utilized the funds to temporarily house Billy in a local hotel until permanent housing was secured. In five short months, Billy has built a strong foundation for his continued success. Currently Billy works over sixty hours per week at Bill’s Used Auto Parts, lives in stable housing, and has maintained his sobriety. He has built a life for himself without fear of incarceration. With continued motivation and a positive attitude, we expect Billy to do great things in the future!

59 participants maintained employment for 90 days or more

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