In an epoch where hope for change is waning, two standouts from the Riverwards are reflective of what happens when, with the help of seasoned mentors and a clear vision, a man can make positive change and become a leader.

On October 8th, both Kareem Chappelle, 25, and Anthony Steckley, 21, received the 2015 Inspiration Award at the JEVS Human Services Strictly Business Networking and Awards Luncheon. JEVS Human Services is a not-for-profit, nonsectarian social service agency based in Philadelphia with a mission to “enhance clients’ employability and self-sufficiency through a broad range of education, training, health and rehabilitation programs.” Its clients come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Recipients of this award have visibly overcome the odds that were placed in front of them and — with assistance, determination and grit — created a better life for themselves.

The first recipient is Kareem Chappelle, a new husband and father of three who grew up in a troubled home in North Philly. By the time he was 10, Chapelle, a self-described “bad kid,” was in the foster care system. At 18, he left the system and found himself in vulnerable living situations in Kensington. One of his dead end jobs was that of a mall custodian, where after two weeks of work he earned what his drug-dealing friends made in a day. So Kareem added drug dealing to his list of odd jobs and soon found himself in jail because of it.

The day Chappelle was released from jail, his life took a 180 when he was introduced to The Choice is Yours (TCY) Program. Created by JEVS Human Services in partnership with the Philadelphia’s Office of the District Attorney, the Municipal Court and the Public Defender’s Office, TCY is an innovative diversion program for first-time, non-violent felony drug offenders facing a one to two year prison sentence. Upon successful completion, the program offers graduates the opportunity to have their criminal records expunged, removing the stigma of a criminal record.

 

“I’m glad [this all] happened because it made my situation way better afterward,” Chapelle said. “I was stuck at the mall for years and now it seems like ever since I got arrested and got into the TCY program, things have just been going up ever since.”

While in this program, Chappelle was a model student.

“The good thing about Kareem is that if he says he is going to do something, he does it,” Nigel Bowe, Program Director for TCY, said. “He didn’t just come into the program and go through the motions. He came in very concentrated on what he wanted to do.”

Because Chappelle did so well in TCY, he applied for a spot in the Philly Future Track, a six-month apprentice program, was accepted and then watched his social skills, confidence and self-esteem take off.

Chappelle now works at PATCO in customer service, making decent money and is very proud of his accomplishments.

“[This program] gave me hope for my future and that I can go out and do more things and inspire more people,” Chappelle said.

His advice to young men and women who find themselves in a situation similar to the one he was in: “Don’t give into the negativity. I want guys and girls in situations like mine to just do the right thing.”

This year’s second Inspiration Award recipient, Anthony Steckley, has a story that pulls at the heartstrings as well.

Shortly after his birth, his mother, who was single and addicted, abandoned Steckley at the hospital. After five months in foster care, his aunt, whom he has grown to call mom, adopted him. He struggled throughout his childhood while attending a private school. When high school came, Steckley’s aunt couldn’t afford private school anymore. She was fearful of him attending public school, so he quit school altogether.

Subsequently, Steckley worked a series of jobs with no future in sight. It wasn’t until he saw his buddies graduating from high school that he knew that something in his life had to change.

“My cousin told me about JEVS Project WOW,” Steckley said. “[This program] changed my life tremendously.” Over 24-weeks, Steckley took property maintenance training, earned his GED and earned a trade’s diploma from Orleans Technical College (OTC). He was then accepted into the plumbing and heating program there.

“Project WOW was a slingshot that set me off,” Steckley said. Within one year, he went from having no accomplishments to having more than he had ever imagined.

Steckley relied on the mentorship that was provided to him and that came in the form of another mom, Sylvia Ocasio, Assistant Program Manager at OTC.

“Anthony was very committed to getting and completing his education,” Ocasio said. But more impressively, after having arrived as a quiet and shy young man, Ocasio noted that Anthony soon became an advocate for the class.

Now, Anthony comes back to the school to speak to new recruits as a motivational speaker. “He talks about all of the things in his life that he has been able to overcome to get where he is today,” Ocasio said.

Steckley is now a really happy 21-year-old who does maintenance at Lofts 640 on Broad Street.  “Plumbing, maintenance and electrical areas. I’m doing everything [I] learned I was taught.”

In ten years, Steckley sees himself running his own construction company with a family a nice house and a nice care.

For more information about JEVS programs, please go to their website: https://jevshumanservices.org/job-readiness-career-services/