10/30/2026
We love seeing partnerships turn into meaningful opportunities! 💙
So proud of Dylan and all he’s accomplished, and grateful to Fresh Start Worx for helping create pathways to employment, growth, and a brighter future. This is what community partnerships are all about! Fresh Start Pallet Products
Fresh Start Worx believes that Good News Friday is all about sharing the love, 😍 and today we're excited to highlight a recent partnership with Journey Home through an On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. Our first participant, Dylan, was recently featured in the Fall 2026 Updates Newsletter. Below is a story shared by Ewa G., Career Development Coordinator at Journey Home:
When I began my role as Career Development Coordinator with Journey Home in the summer of 2025, I met Dylan while introducing employment services to individuals seeking career support. After a group discussion, he approached me and asked if I could help him obtain a Security Guard Card. I handed him my business card and encouraged him to reach out. At the time, I had no idea that brief conversation would grow into a partnership built on persistence, trust, and progress.
Over the following months, Dylan remained committed to his goals. Together with Joshua Gilmore from the American Job Center, we met regularly to discuss his progress and connect him with resources. Joshua helped Dylan enroll in Hartford Adult Education to begin working toward his GED, while we continued navigating the process of obtaining his Security Guard Card.
Dylan successfully completed the required training, applications, and fingerprinting process to earn his credential. Along the way, he gained experience in logistics and construction and completed manufacturing training through the BEST Chance program, building both his skills and confidence.
When Journey Home launched its Subsidized Employment and On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program, we partnered with Fresh Start Worx Training Academy and Social Enterprise, led by President and CEO Jenna Columbus. When a part-time Production Coordinator position became available, Dylan immediately came to mind. His determination, diverse experience, and willingness to learn made him an ideal candidate.
Dylan accepted the position and is now in his tenth week of the OJT program. During that time, he has played a key role in supporting Fresh Start Worx's relocation from Hartford to East Hartford while gaining valuable professional experience as part of a supportive, mission-driven team.
I am deeply grateful to Jenna and the Fresh Start Worx team for investing in Dylan's future. Most of all, I am grateful to Dylan for never giving up on himself. His story is a reminder that with the right support, determination, and opportunity, a fresh start can lead to a brighter future.
🥳 We're incredibly proud of Dylan's accomplishments and grateful for our partnership with Journey Home, which helps create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals working toward a brighter future.
To learn more about Journey Home and the important work they do, visit: https://journeyhomect.org/
