Construction Trades Student Finds Continued Success Through TEEM

Jarred Jiminez was in a small town in Texas when he received a call from his ex-wife. She informed him that she was going to give him a second chance to get his life in order so that he could be a father to his 2 children. All Jarred wanted was to be with his family, so the next day Jarred packed his bags, came to Oklahoma City, and chose to stay at the City Rescue Mission. His conscious decision to stay there resulted in him choosing to participate in TEEM’s program, and in December 2011 he came through the Career Development Workshop. He knew he had to get back on track so that he could be a part of his children’s lives.  His first impression of TEEM was a common one. “This place is all talk.” But by the end of the week he knew that he was wrong, and he was actually on his way to getting back on track. After the holiday break, Jarred came back to TEEM with a positive attitude and the knowledge that if he was willing to help himself, he was going to be able to get a job and win his family back. When he came back, Jarred participated in TEEM’s new ‘Construction Trades’ class. As a result, Jarred now has a full time job with Smith & Pickel Construction Company, and is working at the Chesapeake site. He has even received a promotion and a raise, and is working his way to a leadership position. He now has a vehicle and not only does he see his children regularly, he lives with them and their mother. He is so happy to be a part of their life again. He tells other students who are just starting at TEEM to stick with it, put work into it, and TEEM will bend over backwards for you. To Jarred, the key was taking everything one step at a time.

Testimonial of the week: Leo Luna

Somehow, somewhere, Leo’s spiritual nature was broken along the road of life, abused and left for dead. At birth, his parents entrusted him to a cult that would teach him untruths that he could not wholly embrace or accept. Somehow he made it from California to Oklahoma in the early 1990’s without any of his family or anyone who cared about him. He was taken in by a family in Oklahoma City, to which he still remains friends this day. He noticed TEEM banners that decorated the community at that time, and decided to give it a try. Upon his arrival, he learned that he had the spiritual need to be sober in order to be able to communicate with our source, and so he attended his first addictions meeting. Leo has now been sober for 12 years. When he came to TEEM, he found the offer of help and the belief that someone cares about him. He found pure and total acceptance and learned how to commit himself by making small but meaningful commitments. First, he committed to walking through the front door, which took a couple of tries. Once inside, he committed himself to completing the program and achieved his goal. TEEM gave him many abilities that he is only now discovering their purpose. Leo now works for the Chesapeake Arena Commissary and hopes to begin his own resource recovery business. He enjoys his life and continues to discover new purposes in everything he does.

In a student's words: Jeremy's Graduation Speech

TEEM has taught me 3 things: Be successful, look successful, and stay successful. At first, I didn't understand what I wanted to do with my life... kind of at a stand still at certain things: Love, friends, and money. Three things people tend to lose or can't keep. My experience with TEEM has given me more confidence, drive and the demeanor to excel in life. Everybody wants to play the part but doesn’t want to work for it. The skills I need in the workforce as much as life skills are very important in succeeding. Patience is key in certain situations, but if you have the resources and time, go for it!

Everyone has a choice, either be somebody or be someone. I want to be somebody. I want to take what I have and make it useful. I might be the smartest person in the world but I know one thing. TEEM will help me succeed.

Everyone wants to thrive at something. Some people don’t know what to thrive for. Happiness to some people is the simple things in life. How can one be simple and happy at the same time? People we surround ourselves with. If you knew better, you do better. Time doesn’t wait for anyone. Don’t let time pass you by. Not a second, minute, hour, day, month or year. I should have, could have or would have excelled at that but time wouldn’t let me. That’s not going to propel you to the heights you seek but the strain you don’t need. Patience is the key for everything we do. Things don’t happen overnight but gradually. If you believe in yourself and push a little harder, you will enjoy all benefits.  It’s better to have tried than to not have tried at all. Success wouldn’t be success without failure. If you’re dedicated and see bright things in your future, grasp it. Never let go and now destiny is in your own hands. Be unique and complex instead of wishing on a star. We’ve all been there.  “I wish“can change into “I will.” “I can’t” can turn into “I can.” “I don’t know” can turn into “I will learn.” Everyone has potential but something or someone has to expose it for us to see it.

My dedication to TEEM is to find my potential. TEEM has exposed me to new, simpler things you need to thrive. My goals intertwine with the system here at TEEM. The incredible staff has given me pointers and tips on how to be more determined on any task or subject. I will succeed because TEEM has given me the confidence I needed. A mirror shows a reflection of who you are; who you can become; who you are on a path to be. TEEM is that mirror. I don’t know where I would be if TEEM didn’t have an open-arms policy. Never think the worst, but dream the best. It can make you or break you. The road to success is getting clearer and clearer…. more near and more solidified. If I can make it here, I have already made it.

TEEM's Annual Spring Hygiene Drive begins March 12

It's that time of year again! Beginning Monday, March 12, TEEM will be collecting personal hygiene items at the following locations:

Interbank

Comprehensive Dentistry

Allegiance Credit Union (All locations)

Lassiter Drug

Earl's Bricktown

A special thanks to all of this year's community partners!

This years needed items include:

SOAP

LOTION

CHAPSTICK

HAND SANITIZER

SHAVING CREAM

DISPOSABLE RAZORS

DEODARANT (NON-AEROSOL)

SUNSCREEN

COMBS/BRUSHES

FULL SIZE SHAMPOO

FULL SIZE CONDITIONER

FLOSS

TOOTHPASTE

MOUTHWASH

DENTURE CLEANING TABS

TOWELS/WASHCLOTHS

NEW UNDERGARMENTS

FEMALE PRODUCTS

EVERYDAY MEDICINES

Many of our clients do not have access to these items, which are often taken for granted during the summer months. If you are interested in donating any of these items, you may drop them off at any of the participating locations, or just drop them off at TEEM: 14 NE 13 st. OKC, OK 73104.

Our clients at TEEM will be so thankful for your support!

TEEM's 2012 Black History Month Contest Winners visit the Oklahoma State Capitol

Lavetta Dupree (Illustration), Barnard Anderson (Essay), and Cindy McMahon (Poem) were the winners of TEEM's Black History Month contest, and today they enjoyed a guided tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol and honorary luncheon on behalf of Senatory Harry Coates! We all enjoyed the visit and wish these contestants the best of luck as they continue at TEEM!