After being incarcerated for 4 years, Ward 5 resident, Pierre Nappier knew he had to make a change in his life in order to achieve his goals. To make that change, he knew he would need some outside assistance. So he decided to proactively search for programs and services throughout the city of Cleveland that could assist him with training and employment opportunities, to no avail, all he encountered was failed promises and misguided information.
Mr. Nappier would soon see a positive change in his story when he heard about the many programs offered by the Urban League of Greater Cleveland and OhioMeansJobs, but more specifically the programs and benefits for the residents in Wards 4, 5 and 6 because of the Opportunity Corridor Project. Considering his past experiences, he was initially hesitant about the validity and success of the program. However, once he went into their facility and interacted with their helpful and experienced staff, he knew things would be different.
As a result, Mr. Nappier with the funding assistance provided by the Opportunity Corridor Project decided to enroll in Cuyahoga Community College’s Pre-Apprenticeship program; which is eight-week, four-days-a-week program that will prepare students to be hired as apprentices by construction contractors in the region.
Because of the training Mr. Nappier received, he passed the entry test for pipe-fitting on the first attempt, which is not common. “If it wasn’t for the Opportunity Corridor Project and OhioMeansJobs, I wouldn’t have this second chance opportunity,” said Mr. Nappier.
He not only received the funding for the classes, but he received interview training and supportive services, which included bus passes for his transportation needs. Mr. Nappier is now more confident in his interviewing skills, but most important, he learned a new trade that could be the start to a new career.
Mr. Nappier is a passionate individual that loves to use his journey as a story to motivate and encourage others to learn from his mistake in overcoming the many obstacles that life throws at them. Mr. Nappier said, “I want to show the youth in my community that they can still do something positive with their life after being incarcerated.”
Mr. Nappier’s story is far from over, but because of the Opportunity Corridor Project, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland and OhioMeansJobs, he is starting a new chapter.
For more stories like this one and to find out additional information about the Opportunity Corridor go to opportunitycorridor.transportation.ohio.gov/ .