“It's like a brotherhood to me.”
From operating a thriving business in San Antonio, landscaping for the San Antonio Spurs, to making poor decisions and being incarcerated for 13 years, the Lord has been at work through all of Leroy’s story.
Near the end of his time in prison, Leroy had the opportunity to participate in an entrepreneurship class called Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP). Upon being released from prison, Leroy was introduced to one of our Watermark CDC initiatives, Financial Catalyst. He completed Part 1 - Faith & Finances - in Spring 2021. Here’s what Leroy said about his experience:
"It was the environment. It was not like a bunch of strangers getting together discussing stuff. It was a family bond. You're learning different things, and it's all faith-based. Everybody is helping everybody. They're not out trying to ease in and get something. It's like a brotherhood to me. It's great. I've learned a lot, and the support system is great.”
After completing Part 1 of Financial Catalyst, Leroy was accepted into Part 2, the Accelerated Savings Program. During the next 15 months, Leroy joined a small group alongside two allies (small group leaders) to apply what he learned and save.
Fifteen months later, Leroy completed the Accelerated Savings Program in August 2022 and used his 2:1 matched savings of $11,250 to purchase equipment. His old business officially relaunched in Dallas as Leroy's Landscaping and Pressure Washing!
Upon completion of Financial Catalyst, Leroy had the opportunity to participate in another Watermark CDC Initiative, The Business Cohort, in Fall 2022. Leroy applied, got accepted, and eagerly showed up every week for 10 weeks. "I've been doing landscaping for many years, but it wasn't an official business like it is today. I learned a lot about growing my business.”
Leroy is now a member of The Business Cohort Alumni, opening many doors for growth opportunities. Just a few weeks ago, Leroy officially obtained his LLC with the guidance of his business coaches in The Business Cohort. “It's going non-stop now. I finally got my business up and running, and everything is just falling in place.”
Leroy has participated in two Watermark CDC initiatives, Financial Catalyst and The Business Cohort. He is now partnering with our third initiative, the Job Connection Program (JCP). As an employer partner with the JCP, Leroy’s business is hiring career seekers looking for employment. Through each initiative and touchpoint with Watermark CDC, Leroy has gained business knowledge, found support, and built long-lasting relationships and Christ-centered community.
Regardless of Leroy’s past, he is worthy of dignity, development, and discipleship.
Leroy - The Business Cohort Member & Financial Catalyst Graduate