"On April 19, 2014, I walked into Methodist Hospital experiencing a v-tach storm, which is when your heart is racing out of control, and on May 1 I received a pacemaker / defibrillator. That was the first time I had ever been sick in my life, and I was so scared I was going to die. My fear got the best of me, and I sank into a depression. I lived daily in a dark hole, not even opening the blinds. I gained weight and never went outside. When I applied for Disability benefits, I was denied because they said I still had skills, but I was so depressed I couldn't work. I had just given up. Then this spring, a friend talked me into checking out HopeWorks. I thought I was just coming to orientation, but the day I came was the first day of class, and that was when I decided to fight for my life. The Personal and Career Development class is 14 weeks long, and I haven't missed even once. It was the best decision I ever made. I came for orientation, and this week I'll walk out a graduate. I thought I needed Disability until I found HopeWorks. It rearranged my thinking. Now, the sky's the limit!"
HopeWorks is a non-profit organization located in midtown Memphis (1930 Union Avenue) and dedicated to helping the chronically unemployed (and underemployed) become self-directed and goal-oriented. Personal and Career Development classes are offered several times each year. GED courses are also available through Hopeworks.