Public Testimony

Samantha Brady Testimony (Jan. 2007) | Titaana Washington Testimony (March 2005)

In January 2007, HIRED client Samantha Brady, a participant in HIRED’s Metalforming Training Program, testified before the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee about the benefits of the program and how HIRED helped her transition from prison to work. Her testimony follows. (You may also listen to it here.)

Good afternoon, my name is Samantha Brady, and I am currently employed as a Class C machinist at EJ Ajax and Sons Inc. out of Fridley, MN. I was asked to share with you today about how M-Powered, HIRED, HTC, and companies like the one I am working for have helped change my life. In order to do that I need to take you back in time with me to where I was a little over a year ago.

I am a recovering meth addict who in August of 2005 was convicted of a 5th degree possession of the drug. That led to house arrest and probation with a 5 year stayed sentence of a year and a day over my head. Being the addict that I was, I made it 13 days on house arrest before I violated my probation with a dirty UA (urine analysis) and the judge decided in order for me to learn, he was going to execute my sentence.

So at age 21 having just given birth to my 2nd daughter six days prior, I was placed in the Pipestone county jail. It was there that I would sit for thirty days before I was transferred to the only women’s correctional facility in the state, which is in Shakopee.

I had plenty of time to myself in Pipestone to think about everything with a clearer head, and when I got to Shakopee I was at peace with it. I knew that I was going to participate in as many programs as they offered to better myself for when I would leave. I knew that if I committed to a program in there that I would do the same on the outside. For me, in order for prison to have been a positive experience, I needed to do something good with my time.

Everyday the prison sends out an email to all the units for the inmates to read about all the current events going on and programs to sign up for. Around November or December they had posted an ad about a metal forming class that they were trying to put together, and wanted all those who met the criteria and were interested in the program to apply. Since I met the requirements I sent in my letter of interest and was put on a list to come over to the library and test for it.

All the testing went well, the course sounded interesting, and I really had nothing but time there, so I decided to go for it. By January of 2006 we started the first metal forming level 1 class at Shakopee. The class was really good and it had us inmates really working to help one another out. For the next couple of months we would meet 2 times a week for 4 hours at a time. There were about 12 to 15 women in the class, all different ages and races, but we came together and we all made it thru the class.

One of the best parts about the class was the fact that it wasn't all about machines and measurements. They had a couple of classes in the computer lab to familiarize us with them and some of the different programs we may have to use; it was just basic stuff but it really helped. There also was a class that two HIRED counselors helped us go thru the interview process. To do this they held mock interviews and helped us answer the hardest question, which is "yes, I am a felon". The part that made it even more real for all of us though, was when she had us come up front and try on her blazer so we could better get into character.

To me the class was a huge success! When I left Shakopee in May, I had graduated from the metal forming class and also had tested and passed my level 1 NIMS credential. I had also taken the time while still in Shakopee to go and make a resume and got a copy of it to my HIRED counselor. She also had all my info of where I would be when I got out so she could be in contact. That’s what really makes this program work, it's that it didn't end when I left Shakopee, that's almost where it began. My HIRED counselor did keep in contact and that's what really made the difference for me.

When I was released I had to go to treatment and my HIRED counselor called me there, and I let her know what my plans were and where I would be next. In late June I went to a 1/2 way house in Fridley and with the encouragement of my HIRED counselor, also went to the local WFC and got online to set up an email account so she could email me my resume so I could work on it. We emailed back and forth about some final changes and then she had a company already in mind and in my area for me to send it to. So I sent the resume and they called her about an interview. I was so excited and it all happened so fast.

I went to the interview and met Rob Duvall the plant Manager, and he took me on a tour of the plant. We did the interview after the tour, and before I left he told me to go home and think about the offer and that if I was interested in the job to call back. Well I seriously had no idea how to answer the question so as soon as I got home I called my HIRED counselor and asked for advice. She advised me to call back after lunch and say that yes I have had time to think about it and this is what I want to do. Well as they say the rest is history. I started my first day of work at EJ Ajax on July 31st 2006; and I have been there ever since.

If you would have asked me a year ago today where I would be right now I would've never imagined all this. I am living on my own away from all of my family, trying to make a better life for myself and my daughters up here. I pay taxes instead of using up tax dollars by being locked away. I am even taking advantage of the M-Powered program along with the help of HTC (Hennepin Technical College) and my company to further my education that I started while incarcerated. Currently I am enrolled at HTC for the Skill Level 2 for Metal Stamping.

My future seems so much brighter now that I have good stable employment. By March I will qualify for medical coverage at my job, and in May I will receive 6 days of vacation. Those are both things that I never had at previous jobs, I even get paid holidays when I was used to working them at old employers.

I am proud to say that at EJ Ajax we have gone over 16 years without a lost time injury in our shop. In this field that is quite a feat but it's due to proper training and adhering to a high level of professionalism when it comes to safety. Safety Safety Safety. Safety is the most important part of the job. Another thing that keeps me at EJ Ajax is the small family type atmosphere as well as all the continued training that we all do. What job would be complete though without a good paycheck, and that's what I take home every week. It's also good motivation to learn more and earn more.

I really couldn't tell you where I would be today if it wasn't for the collaboration of all these programs working so well together to have brought that education to me when I needed it the most. Coming out of the lifestyle I was used to and moving to a big city was a huge change for me. To have EJ Ajax say basically yes you're a felon and yes we know where you were but we would still like to give you a chance to prove yourself, it feels great!

In the end it's not about so much of a handout but more of a hand to help you up and out of where you used to be. I try not to dwell on my past too much anymore because that's not the person that I am today. I will forever be grateful for being able to be a part of such an awesome program. Sky's the limit!

Thank you.

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In March of 2005, Titaana Washington, a participant in HIRED’s Building Lives program, testified before a special Senate committee about the benefits of the Minnesota Youth Program. Her testimony follows. (Click here to listen to her testimony.)

My name is Titaana Washington and I am 17 years of age. I am a part of Minnesota Youth Program. Before I entered the Minnesota Youth Program I was a little stray minded and getting into trouble. I was just getting off of probation when myself and a group of friends joined Minnesota Youth Program. The people I came here with are no longer participants. One is deceased and the others are focused else where. This program has opened all kinds of doors for me. I have met all kinds of people and have had all kinds of experiences.

Due to the fact that I live at home with my mother (whom I love dearly). She recently became ill with breast cancer and there is no steady income. Through this program I have had my first, and second jobs, which deal with the community and children. I have had the privilege to take customer service classes as well as job trainings skills. Now I am a senior at Harding High School, and I plan going to college. Minnesota Youth Programs, and my employment counselor Julie Baker, are willing to possibly help me financially, and to help me put my best foot forward as well as finding scholarships. I agreed when the bill was passed, “No child will be left behind.”

By cutting these programs you will be leaving behind more than a child, you will be leaving behind some of the keys to there future as well. Some of the best lessons are taught through these youth programs. I know if there is one thing that I learned it is “whatever you do in life, it will be a more betta life.”

And for these things I thank Minnesota Youth Program and I want them to know I appreciate the time and effort they have put into all of us, when no one else would. I know that I am capable of anything because of them and I hope this program is able to succeed and give many more youth the experiences you gave me and more.