Meet Mark: “I’m Showing Up Everyday”
Mark is leading in Summit, our leadership and train-the-trainer cohort. As he continues to build confidence and chart a new course for his future, we are grateful to work with him and to give you a window into his journey.
This month, we are honored to introduce you to Mark, who shows up each day with determination and a deep desire to grow. His journey reminds us that healing and transformation happen in community, through the heartfelt support of staff, volunteers, and the encouragement of teammates.
Q: What are some of the barriers you’ve had to overcome after incarceration? I was the victim of a violent crime when I was 17 years old. I was shot and paralyzed from the chest down. I was depressed and struggled with addiction most of my adult life before I was incarcerated at age 50. After serving 8 years, I was released in August of 2024. My biggest hurdle after getting out was finding housing that was accessible with my wheelchair. The first place I got had a really busy intersection and I was actually hit by a cars on two separate occasions. I had to learn how to get to the grocery store, help getting my healthcare set up, and learning public transportation. It was hard to learn all the new technology that’s changed and getting up to speed on computers and a phone.
Q: How did you first get connected to Mile High Workshop? I got connected to the WorksShop through the house program at Remerg which helps parolees with disabilities find jobs and housing. My case manager, Bob, helped introduce me to Mile High Workshop and I started the program, month after being released.
Q: What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work? I like going around the neighborhood and getting to know my neighbors. Enjoying the fresh air and getting out to do activities with my Remerg group, like going to the symphony.
Q: What skills have you learned or strengthened at the WorkShop? My self-esteem. I didn’t have confidence in myself, in my decisions, in my relationships before coming to the WorkShop. I’ve learned to be more direct in my conversations and I’ve really grown in my self-esteem and learning to believe in myself.
Q: Tell us what you are celebrating or some of your milestones. My faith. I am taking my spiritual health more seriously. Reading my Bible. Staying encouraged, Changing my habits. My health. I have diabetes and when I got out of prison my A1C was 13.5 and since I’ve started at the WorkShop and working with Denver Health my A1C is now at 6.5. The WorkShop gave me the support I needed, showed me how much they cared and I believe that has really helped my physical health.
Q: What is a goal that you are working toward? Self-support. Being able to take care of myself, pay my rent, my bills. I want to fix relationships and building trust with my family again.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting out at the WorkShop? Come in with a good attitude, work hard, and don’t give up on yourself if you don’t get it right the first time. You will succeed if you are dedicated.
Q: What is one word to describe your future? Attainable.
