Brandon & Shelby’s Story
Brandon grew up in the slums of Oklahoma City. His mother died when he was 9 and he went to live with his grandmother. Upon her death he was sent to foster care. He spent the remainder of his childhood in over 150 different placements including a mental facility and two different Boy’s Homes.
Shelby grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. She became a juvenile delinquent, an addict and by the age of 22 was the mother of 2 girls.
Brandon and Shelby were homeless for 2 months, living in their truck when Brandon reached out to a friend here in Branson. They moved into a motel room with 2 other adults. Brandon quickly got a job at Cracker Barrel and eventually helped Shelby find employment there too.
The couple they were living with were familiar with Elevate Work. Having recognized the significant change in their lives due to their participation in the program, they encouraged Brandon and Shelby to sign up.
Both Brandon and Shelby began to see the change in their roommates’ lives and decided that it was worth a try. Elevate Work helped Brandon determine his financial priorities and construct a budget. This budget included making restitution for old debts and traffic violations. Brandon and Shelby through the benefit of the class not only began to take responsibility for their future, they began to take responsibility for their past.
One of Brandon’s first goals was to pay off his traffic tickets from years ago. Shelby has paid off all her credit cards and is paying off a previous delinquent electric bill. Together Brandon and Shelby remain focused on paying their debts.
Brandon admitted that it has been a struggle to pay off his debts and commit himself to a new way of life. But he admitted that whereas it indeed has been a struggle, it’s been an “amazing struggle.” Along with paying off debt they have purchased 2 cars for their family.
Brandon lost his mom early in his life leaving him mad at the world. He didn’t feel like he had anybody and that anger became the catalyst for some very bad decisions in his life.
Fast forward past graduating the Elevate Work program, Brandon is now a maintenance supervisor at Plato’s Cave. Having worked as a supervisor for 4 months, he is really trying to push for bigger and better things in his life.
Shelby, who previously had worked primarily in fast food before Elevate Work, began a new career as a leasing professional in town. Shelby began as a leasing consultant and was just giddy about getting that promotion.
Brandon and Shelby have recently gotten engaged. Having leaned on each other for support, they now want to commit to one another and continue building a life together. A life beyond survival, a life of success!
Their life began to change as students in the Elevate Work class. If you have ever wanted to see someone have a chance to leave their old way of life and embrace a future filled with promise, please consider sponsoring an Elevate Work student today. For only $100 dollars, which is only $5.55 per class; you can give someone the “hand up” they need, build a foundation for life and no longer need or want a hand out.
