For Jesus, the road to stability has not been easy, but it has been defined by resilience, determination, and hope.
After losing a career he had spent years building, Jesus experienced a devastating turning point. Without steady work or reliable income, he found himself homeless, facing uncertainty about his future and unsure of how to begin again. Like so many individuals who experience sudden hardship, the loss went far beyond a paycheck; it affected his sense of purpose, confidence, and direction.
Everything began to change when Jesus connected with United Way of Frederick County’s Getting Ahead program. Through the program, Jesus found not only practical tools and resources, but also encouragement and a renewed belief in himself. Step by step, he began rebuilding his life. He graduated from Getting Ahead stronger, more focused, and committed to creating a better future.
Since then, Jesus has continued to grow. Determined to keep moving forward, he went on to complete United Way’s Pathway to Transportation program. In October 2025, Jesus reached another major milestone: receiving a new-to-her car, his very own vehicle.
For Jesus, owning a car represents far more than transportation. It is a symbol of independence, stability, and trust in what’s possible next. Reliable transportation gives him the freedom to pursue opportunities, maintain consistency, and stay connected to the community that helped lift him up during his hardest moments.
Giving back has become a central part of Jesus’s journey. He now volunteers with the Frederick Rescue Mission, an experience he describes as life-saving. Through service, Jesus has found healing, purpose, and a way to support others who are facing challenges similar to those he once endured. With his own vehicle, he can now volunteer more easily, expand his service, and continue showing up for the Frederick community.
Jesus’s ultimate goal is simple, yet deeply powerful: to become the best version of himself and to make the people he loves proud. With reliable transportation, he is better positioned to rebuild his career, strengthen his independence, and continue growing into the future he envisions.
Jesus’s story is a testament to what’s possible when individuals are met with opportunity, compassion, and the right support at the right time. Through programs like Getting Ahead and Pathway to Transportation, and thanks to the generosity of our donors, lives are not just stabilized, but transformed.
Because when someone is given the chance to start again, the journey forward can change everything.
