Dellwood, Missouri – The Mayor of Dellwood, Reggie Jones, was in need of a new public works employee and turned to the Save Our Sons and Sisters program at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for assistance. Mayor Jones, who knew the program had a good reputation for training individuals for the workforce, decided to reach out for help. He had two sons who had successfully completed the program, so he was confident in their ability to help.
Lamar Johnson, a man who had been wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 28 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, applied for the job through the Save Our Sons program. After completing the program, Johnson was thrilled to receive an offer from the city of Dellwood to fill a vacant position in the public works department.
Tydrell Stevens, the program’s regional director, was overjoyed to see the smile on Johnson’s face when he came in to share the good news of his job offer. The mayor, Reggie Jones, expressed his admiration for Johnson’s tenacity to want to come back to his community and make something of himself despite the mental weight of his wrongful conviction.
The Save Our Sons and Sisters program focuses on workforce development by teaching life skills, soft skills, job acquisition, job retention, advancement opportunities, and how to stay competitive in the job market. They also provide wardrobe assistance to help individuals present themselves professionally.
Stevens mentioned that the program has been instrumental in helping thousands of individuals secure employment. He noted the transformation in participants’ demeanor after completing the program, going through interviews, and ultimately getting hired. The impact of the program on individuals’ lives has been significant and empowering.
It’s heartwarming to see how programs like Save Our Sons and Sisters can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals who have faced unjust circumstances. Lamar Johnson’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community support in overcoming challenges and starting anew. We can all learn from his story and be inspired to support programs that help individuals reintegrate into society after experiencing hardship.
