Meet Billy—a determined man with big dreams and an even bigger heart. For the past year and a half, Billy has been working hard at a local donation center, giving his all at his job despite some tough challenges.
Billy’s road to employment hasn't been easy. When Billy first came to Wyandot Center, he says he was depressed. He wasn’t able to drive to work due to a medical condition, which meant walking more than two miles or finding rides from friends, or taking an Uber. But Billy did not let these obstacles stop him. He saw each obstacle as a chance to prove how strong he is. At the end of each workday, his mom faithfully picks him up. Billy says the support from his mom has made his employment journey a little easier.
When you ask Billy what keeps him going, his face lights up as he talks about his son.
"I didn't want to rely on disability," he says. "I wanted to show my son that I could support him and be a good role model."
Billy’s love for his family gives him the strength to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Billy faced a lot of rejection before he found his job. But then he met Pamela, his vocational consultant from Wyandot Center. Together, they kept trying until the donation center saw Billy’s potential and gave him a chance. Getting that job was a turning point for Billy. It gave him a sense of purpose and a reason to get out of bed every morning.
Looking back on his journey, Billy feels proud.
"I'm not sad or hopeless anymore," he says with a smile. "I'm proud that I never gave up."
With Pamela's support, persistence, and a little tough love, Billy learned to believe in himself and keep going, even when things seemed bleak.
Pamela never lost faith in Billy, even when times were tough. Her encouragement and belief in him gave him the courage to keep going.
When asked what it means to have someone like Pamela in his corner, Billy’s answer is simple but powerful.
"It means everything," he says. "She helped me find my future, my pride, and my courage. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today."
For Billy, his job isn't just about earning money. It's about finding his purpose again, keeping his dignity, and setting a good example for his son. Every day, he wakes up grateful for the opportunity to keep moving forward, one step at a time with Pamela by his side, Billy’s focus now is on staying on track and doing his best until he discovers his next big idea. And he credits Pamela and Wyandot Center for helping him get to where he is now.
“Wyandot Center is good for people. Wyandot Center is an outlet for people who have bad thoughts and it gives them a place to turn to. Wyandot Center is a good thing. I'm not talking about specifically Ms. Pamela, but just Wyandot Center. It is a good thing, it's turned my life around.”