Roosevelt, a father of five, grew up on Chicago’s Southeast Side and graduated from Bowen High. When Roosevelt came to the Young Fathers program he was married with four children, unemployed, and didn’t know how he would make it.

Despite the challenges he faced he was persistent in applying for the Young Fathers program. And he was dedicated – coming to Metropolitan at least three times a week to look for employment.

To prepare him, Young Fathers helped Roosevelt move beyond his shyness. He improved his interpersonal and interviewing skills, and he got guidance on how to dress appropriately for job interviews. Efforts were successful – Roosevelt was hired by FedEx as an off-loader.

At the same time Roosevelt has learned how to be a better dad. Though very active with his children, he felt he needed help in dealing with their behavior. Young Fathers has helped him greatly in caring for and disciplining them correctly.

Roosevelt says the Young Fathers program “helps you with everything.” He is happy to be employed because now “I can do for my family. Being employed helps me to get where I need to be in life.”