higher learning for ex-offenders

Rev. Louis Flowers of the West Side Minister's Coalition facilitated the 2nd Chance Opportunity Fair for Ex-Offenders this past week on Chicago's West Side. Many leaders in the community talk about change, but this Minister walks the talk! He doesn't assign tasks and supervise, he's there in the trenches making sure the job gets done and people get the services they need!
Service Providers were on location to offer emergency housing, health services, jobs, and pretty much everything one needs to get back to being a productive member of society. I was simply there to help where I was needed.


During my presentation, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a young man by the name of Lee, who owns a trucking company. He offered words of wisdom to keep the faith, because he was once an ex-offender and now ears a six figure salary. This is not something you hear everyday on the street. No one will tell you that you can overcome. People have a tendency to tell you that it can't be done.


I am simply thrilled to be a positive change in the lives of those who want to improve their lives. I met upcoming film/script writers, authors, beauticians, barbers, chefs, resturaunt owners, truckers, artists, singers, entertainers, and the whole nine yards. It thrilled my heart to see the thousands of people who showed up and have not given up!

That's my message to you today. It doesn't matter what you're going through, remember, it is just that, going through. The situtation did not come to stay. It only showed up in your life to see what you are made of, and how you will handle it.

If someone who has made a bad choice in their life and now has an EX on their back, it's really just the beginning! If they can do it, so can you! Question is, what will you do now?
Where will you begin?
Network! Network! Network! Be out and about!
Don't shut yourself in. Remember, closed mouths don't get fed!
Speak up! Speak out! And Get Going!
Stay on purpose, no matter what!
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