Noah's Story: Cultivating a New Life Through Work

When Noah first arrived at Mission Possible, it had been over a decade since he'd been employed.

Noah once had a thriving career in computer technology, but when he began using substances and drinking excessively, it was impossible to keep a job.

Noah knew he needed help, so he attended a recovery program and started working towards rejoining the workforce.

"Seeing other people at work, that's something I envied," he shares, "I was missing that sense of community and the opportunity to earn money, but I'd been displaced from the industry for so long it was a bit daunting."

It took Noah two tries to find his footing at Mission Possible. The first time he enrolled in our Employment Readiness Program, he believed he was work ready. But that wasn’t the case.

He quickly realized he needed more time to work on his physical and mental health to be ready to fully engage, and returned to Mission Possible with a different outlook the second time.

His second start with the Clean Team was very different from the first. He was socializing with coworkers and accessing every wraparound support he could, including workshops, food security initiatives, and housing. Meeting with our Housing Support Coordinator had the biggest impact on Noah's life, moving him off a long waitlist and into stable housing for the first time in years.

Feeling supported and more confident, he was ready to apply for permanent work opportunities outside of Mission Possible.

His coach recommended he consider a groundskeeper position with one of Mission Possible’s Impact Employers, 2400 Motel, and before long he started his new role as the iconic building's full-time groundskeeper.

Since joining the team at 2400 Motel, Noah has worked to help improve the site to meet the diverse needs of the guests. From generating the motel's new grounds management plan to retrofitting the various equipment on site, he has enjoyed the diversity of the role, the autonomy afforded to him by motel management, and the goal of improving grounds conditions for the comfort of staff, visitors, and guests. 

He feels that improving the landscaping around the rooms has been reflective of his journey so far. "It's almost like a metaphor for my life. Five years ago I was in a shocking place and really run down. Now, I'm in a much better place." He continues to feel supported in this new environment too, receiving positive feedback from both the community and management. 

"Not only did I return to work, I have gotten a huge boost in my self-confidence and I have a home… If I can show people that it is possible to recover and there are services available that can help people, that's great," he shares. 

Noah exemplifies the tenacity it takes to overcome barriers and return to work, and we are thrilled to continue to watch him create a sustainable livelihood for himself.