Workforce System Success Stories - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

Damien M. graduated from The Jude House in June 2023. While he was a patient, Damien enrolled in the Community Health Workers/Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) training program with another MD Labor grantee, Voices of Hope. Damien thrived in the CPRS trainings and in his role as a Community Health Worker after serving 30 years of incarceration.

Currently in Prince George's Country Reentry Court, Damien has commitments to meet with case managers, attend court hearings, complete random drug screens, and maintain GPS monitoring. With such a full schedule, Damien initially struggled to attend training, but staff from Maryland’s Adult Education program and Voices of Hope worked together to advocate on his behalf. Happily, he gained the flexibility he needed to successfully complete training.

Currently, Damien is employed at Tranquility Woods, an addiction treatment center, and is in the process of completing the Community Health Worker Practicum. Damien has met all of the requirements for CPRS certification and started the application process with Michelle Asmussen (RPS) on 8/8/23.