Parker dropped out of high school. He says he took a job as a painter to “stay out of trouble.” Then he got fired. Then he lost his driver’s license. Then he lost his apartment and moved in with his grandmother. The future didn’t look bright.

Parker was back to being a “drop-out.” Without the GED, he couldn’t find meaningful work. Then he found out about Golden Sierra’s program for young adults and quickly applied. He was placed in a paid internship where he worked with the public. He says this was a million times better than painting walls the same color day after day. He studied for the GED, took every practice test, and passed! This allowed him to get his guard card. He discovered he really liked security and protective services.

With a regular income he paid his fines and got his driver’s license back! He is currently working, but plans to attend college in order to advance in his career.