Their Stories...

Second Chances

The front page of the News Journal on July 22nd, featuring one of our residents, Curt.
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Soon after Curt arrived here he started attending classes in culinary skills at the Food Bank of Delaware and is doing remarkably well.  He is now interning at a restaurant with hopes of then getting a job. The article focuses on prison reform to help those with misdemeanors & felonies to get a second chance. 
He said, "they're telling you you're not whole, that you can't do this job, because you're bad".  People have issues and sometimes they are messy, but we're wiling to do the hard work.  He has demonstrated his willingness to work hard.  
Read more on Delaware Online in July 22nd edition. Pictured right: Curt with our previous Executive Director, Robyn Beck.
​Edgar W. admitted in June 2021 from a treatment facility located in Quakertown, PA.  Edgar has an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health from Delaware Technical Community College.  Edgar completed all Sojourners’ Place programming and has secured employment in October 2021 as a Behavioral Health Associate. 
Edgar is grateful to Sojourners’ Place for providing a safe place to focus on his goals.  
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Don B. is a United States Army Veteran who arrived at Sojourners’ Place in April 2021.  He is a master Electrician by profession and due to unforeseen circumstances, he found himself jobless, homeless, and his tools were stolen.  His skills remained intact though.  Don completed all of the programs that Sojourners’ Place offers and we provided a safe place to heal after receiving medical service from the Veterans Administration.  Don has secured employment in November 2021 as an Automation and Robotic Technician, which provides service and support to Amazon’s Robotic systems in the state of Delaware.  We are so proud of Don and he is extremely grateful to Sojourners’ Place for helping him along this path. This is a huge accomplishment and we celebrate with him!!
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Cuthbert and Jose Delaware Center for Horticulture training, a 9-week program in March 2022. They were immediately hired afterwards as a part of the landscaping crew. We are very proud of their commitment and for the example they set every day for the newcomers!
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Congrats Rich, Karen and Mike for enrolling forklift training, an 11-week training provided by Delaware Food Bank. We are extremely proud of your accomplishment!
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​Congrats Dreama for enrolling in the Warehouse and Logistics training provided by Food Bank of Delaware. We are extremely proud!
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Nicole Smith- Bey who is originally from Baltimore, MD relocated to Delaware. After experiencing the loss of a child, an almost fatal overdose that caused her to be in a coma and becoming homeless she came to Sojourners’ Place in 2022.   

As Nicole always says” God was not finished with me”. Nicole never thought she would be living at a “homeless” shelter but then realized this was her new reality. Nicole started seeking God and asking him how to repair her life.

Her case manager at Sojourners’ Place encouraged Nicole along the way and even helped her clean up wreckage from her past. It was a slow road, but she stayed the course. Nicole left Sojourners’ Place in 2024, with a car, employment in the field of her desire, an attained substance use certification and a 2-bedroom apartment. Sojourners’ Place made her understand and value life again.
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As of today, Nicole is living a simple life and will always be grateful for the support of Sojourners’ Place. Sojourners’ allowed Nicole to re-establish herself with the help of God and to become a productive member of society.