CROWN POINT | Elijah Sloss, 24, of Gary, wants to put his past mistakes behind him for better life choices and work opportunities.
"If we want to succeed, we must invest in ourselves; the latter will bring forth the former, and then comes a feeling of accomplishment which can motivate us to take the next step. The men I work with have many barriers to employment; my prayer is that by helping these men succeed in the EPA certification, potential employers will see that they have invested in themselves and likewise consider investing in them as well." -- Roger Hayward, of It's Gary's Time
Sloss has decided to use his remaining three months at the Kimbrough Work Release Center to take advantage of a 60-hour Environmental Protection Agency training and certification program provided through It's Gary's Time, an organization founded and run by Roger Hayward.
Eight Kimbrough residents are participating in the training, which is being conducted both at the It's Gary's Time office, located walking distance from the center in Crown Point, and in the field.
Hayward said instruction includes certification in Environmental Protection Agency standards, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), electrical codes, welding and preventative maintenance techniques. A total of 45 hours of hands-on field training is scheduled. The men are compensated for their work, and Hayward provides transportation to the sites. Hayward said the trainer is certified in HVAC, electrical and welding.
At the session's end, participants will take an exam to become nationally certified in all three fields. One participant has already passed the first section of the three-part exam, Hayward said.
Having walked in their shoes, Hayward's life story serves as motivation for the men. Homeless at 13, he spent many years in and out of jail, but the past 10 years have been devoted to turning around his life and those of others.
"If we want to succeed, we must invest in ourselves; the latter will bring forth the former, and then comes a feeling of accomplishment which can motivate us to take the next step," Hayward said. "The men I work with have many barriers to employment; my prayer is that by helping these men succeed in the EPA certification, potential employers will see that they have invested in themselves and likewise consider investing in them as well."
The office has a computer lab set up for participants to create resumes and conduct job searches. There is a reception area, training room and situation room where the men discuss concerns as work or life problems arise.
"I am excited about trying to do something good with my life," Sloss said. "This is a great start. I want to take my certification to the next level, to a bigger level, hopefully working for the next 25 to 30 years."
Sloss said his father and Hayward both inspire him to change his life. His dad worked in the steel mill for more than 25 years but was forced to give up his job after an automobile accident.
"I see that he is hurting but still wants to work," Sloss said. "If he can do it, I can do it."
Sloss said looking at Hayward, "I see me."
"Somebody who is just like me is helping us," Sloss said. "And that is great."
Hayward has also started a basketball team for the men. They will play the Northwest Indiana Stars Oct. 2 at the Crown Point Sports Academy. Proceeds will benefit the Good Samaritan Home in Gary.
On Oct. 5, Hayward will be honored by the Indiana Criminal Justice Association at the Star Plaza Theater for his efforts to train and procure jobs for the Kimbrough residents.
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