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When Blake first walked through the doors of the Career EXCELerate program, he was searching for more than just a job – he was searching for a second chance. After battling addiction, Blake knew he needed something to help rebuild his life and give him purpose, structure, and support. Career EXCELerate became that turning point. The program didn’t just offer training; it offered Blake full wraparound support. From the beginning, staff were there to meet him where he was. He received help with resume writing, practiced interview skills, and met regularly with team members for check-ins to talk through challenges and celebrate progress. These touchpoints gave Blake the confidence and accountability he needed to keep moving forward.
Blake chose the welding pathway, as he was drawn to the hands-on creativity and the promise of a skilled trade. As he progressed through the program, he began to thrive. His instructors saw his natural talent and strong work ethic, and Blake began to believe in himself again.
At the completion ceremony, Blake stood in front of a room of graduates, staff, and family members to share his story. He spoke openly about his journey through addiction, the hard days, and the hope he found through Career EXCELerate. As he spoke, beside him stood a sculpture he created – a fully welded metal figure playing a guitar. It was more than a project. It was a symbol of how far he’d come: a blend of strength, resilience, and artistry.
Shortly after graduating, Blake was hired as a welder at Fourinox in Green Bay. The company has been so impressed by his work that they committed to paying for the next phase of his welding education once he completes 90 days on the job.
Blake’s story is more than one of recovery. It’s a story of transformation and of how, with the right support system and the right opportunity, someone can turn their pain into purpose and their skills into a career. Career EXCELerate didn’t just help Blake find a job – it helped him find himself.