Hand-N-Hand

Richard J. carried his own personal rain cloud with him. He would often admit to the struggles he felt as a brilliant and intellectually gifted person haunted by the memories of childhood traumas including issues with weight, bullying and racism. Always desiring to see the brighter side of the situation but frequently bowing under the pressure of his sense of disappointment at his own self sabotaging of success, it seemed Richard was adept at grasping defeat from the jaws of victory. ​ Hand N Hand did not let go of its grasp on Richard and the possibility of success. Richard was chosen to assist in facilitating some aspects in the twelve step recovery portions of the Hand N Hand program. He also became a role model in how he persistently maintained an excellent work ethic that not only rapidly gained him a permanent position with a company where he was working a temporary assignment, but his application of the principles and guidance provided at Hand N Hand assisted him in moving into his own apartment and having the company he now permanently worked for create a management position suited to his skill set. ​ Richard marvels at how much he was able to accomplish with a little over six months of being part of the Hand N Hand community upon exiting from prison. His example of success has encouraged others and has been a motivating factor in the success of others at Hand N Hand. ​ Nowdays Richard doesn't bring a raincloud along, he brings sunshine and a can do attitude. Richard has shown that with faith as tiny as a mustard seed, great things are possible! What a great example Richard!