07/10/2026
My name is Richard and I came to PATH on January 16, 2026. At the time, I was working as a tow truck driver and doing pretty well in life. Then, unexpectedly, my life took a turn when I was laid off from my job due to a lack of work.
Honestly, I never thought I would be in the position I was in when I first came to PATH.
Everything was new, and being inside for the first time was traumatic and scary. I felt confused, lost, and unsure of what I was supposed to do with my life. I spent my first few days at PATH feeling overwhelmed and not really understanding where to begin.
I eventually talked to my uncle, and he told me it was time to buckle down and start rebuilding my life. At that point, it honestly felt like I was a million miles away from reaching my goals. I went through some very difficult and depressed periods where I would just sulk and feel sorry for myself. But eventually, I realized there were so many better things waiting for me in life, and I had so many resources and people willing to help me.
I started with small goals. I got my insurance back on track and started seeing my doctor regularly. I learned that you can only fix what is within your control, so I focused on the things I could change. Eventually, I started buckling down and looking for work.
Rebuilding your life and starting fresh is honestly very difficult, but I learned that it is possible when you have the right people standing behind you. I was terrified because I didn't know where to start, but PATH stood by my side and supported me every step of the way.
Then I realized I wasn't completely alone because I knew someone I had known for a long time. His name is Richard, and he is a case manager at PATH. Richard is honestly an amazing person. He helped me realize that everything was going to be okay and that things would eventually work out.
It's funny because my name is Richard and his name is Richard, but he truly made sure I knew I wasn't alone. He stood beside me every step of the way. Whenever I was going to a job interview, Richard would ask me about the job, help me with my resume, and even practice interviews with me so that I could feel prepared and confident when it was time for the real interview.
I went through a lot of ups and downs during my time at PATH, but they honestly never gave up on me or lost faith in me. That gave me the motivation to try harder, work harder, and continue rebuilding my life.
Fast-forward a few months, and after working a few different jobs, I eventually came across a program through the Job Training Center (JTC) that offered training to obtain my Class A commercial driver's license.
I was very nervous about the program, but I decided I would put all of my attention toward it and give it everything I had. That decision paid off. Two months later, I am now a fully licensed commercial driver.
Without PATH and the Job Training Center, I honestly don't think I could have accomplished this.
My case manager, Elivira, is truly a blessing. She took every step with me and helped me through the entire application process and supported me while I was in school. JTC helped me attend American Career Training in Redding, California, and it was honestly one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had.
The school was incredibly welcoming, and I truly felt like I was learning from some of the best truck drivers and instructors around. The training was difficult, but I worked hard, passed my test, and earned my full commercial driver's license.
One of the most amazing advocates at PATH is Alysa. She sat with me every night, all the way up until the night before my test, going through everything and helping me study. Alysa genuinely cared about helping me pass and was willing to take time out of her day to make sure I was prepared. I am honestly so grateful that she believed in me and put in the time to help me succeed.
Throughout my time at PATH, there was also one person who always stood by me and constantly made sure I was doing okay mentally and staying on track: Zach.
Zach was always genuinely excited and happy to sit with me, hear about my day, and make jokes with me. He made me feel normal. Sometimes, being homeless can make you feel like an outsider, like you don't fit in, and it can be embarrassing. Zach always reminded me that I was none of those things and that I deserved everything I was working toward.
Everyone at PATH has been genuinely amazing and helpful. They always made sure I could get to work on time, make it to my doctor's appointments, and get where I needed to go. They stretched themselves thin to make sure I always had a way to get to school and continue moving forward.
I know that a lot of this accomplishment came from my own hard work, and I am proud of myself for everything I have achieved. But I also know that without Richard, Elivira, Alysa, Zach, the rest of the PATH staff, and the Job Training Center, I could not have done any of this.
I am incredibly grateful to have had such amazing people surrounding me, helping me, encouraging me, and pushing me to become a better version of myself.
When I first came to PATH, I felt lost, scared, and unsure of where my life was going. Today, I have a career, a commercial driver's license, and a completely different outlook on my future.
If you ever feel lost, scared, or like you have no one, I want you to remember that you have PATH. There are people there who will stand beside you, believe in you, and help you find your way.
Sometimes, all it takes is someone believing in you until you can learn to believe in yourself.
I will always be grateful to PATH and everyone who helped me get to where I am today.
Thank you, PATH, for helping me rebuild my life.
