“I grew up operating in what I was taught.”
“I come from a poverty neighborhood where when you walk out the door, you have a drug dealer, a dice shooter (gambler), and maybe a pimp. I was very limited in my exposure. So, when you're limited in your exposure, you can only shop and choose what you want to be within that neighborhood. So with that said, I became everything my environment had to offer. In those type of environments, you get in trouble along the way, you end up going to jail and prison.”
“When I was incarcerated in 2015, I attended a baptism I wasn't signed up for. I was moved by the message of how Jesus could change your life and help you out of these circumstances. I was so broken to the point where I was really ready to receive. After everybody that was on the list got baptized, the pastor asked, “does anybody else in the crowd want to get baptized?”. I was so scared to go up there, but for some reason my feet started moving towards the front. I stepped up and was asked, “Are you ready to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior?” At this point I'm like, “yes, nothing else is working”. I said, “Jesus, if you’re really real, please come into my life.” The Lord and Holy Spirit changed my life from 2016 all the way up to today.”
After being released from prison, through a partnership with Men of Nehemiah and Watermark CDC, Donat had the opportunity to learn about and attend the Job Connection Program in Fall of 2022. “When you go to the Men of Nehemiah, obviously you have hit your rock bottom. When I finally wanted to step out of that lifestyle, it was hard for me to step out of it because of my record. At that time I felt like, it's too late, and Watermark CDC created an opportunity to give me hope.”
“Watermark CDC is big on having resources for felons and second chance people. They help people with those type of roadblocks because they understand how hard it is to thrive and reach your full potential. The relationships and connections that were provided helped me reach the potential that I knew I always had.”
“Robert (Job Connection Program Coordinator) became my consistent permanent advocate. The relationship that he and I have today can’t even be put into words. I can't even find a word for it. I can't even find words for the amazing grace and blessings that are being bestowed in this season of my life.”
Donat has now also had the opportunity to additionally participate in Financial Catalyst. He is currently in the Accelerated Savings Program and working towards his goal of an asset purchase. “Financial Catalyst helps you with these assets that you probably couldn't afford by yourself, but because of the program you could reach this goal. This program is outstanding.”
Despite Donat’s barriers and trials, transformation is possible through the Gospel, opportunity, and relationships.
Donat - Job Connection Program Graduate