Released 29 February 2012
Meet one of the newest participants in the "Tools for Life" Program at The Salvation Army. Ethan is presently enrolled in the Day One Substance Abuse Program not by choice, but was hand selected to attend life-skills classes at The Salvation Army. When he first attended "Tools" he simply dropped himself in a chair and slid down until you could barely see his head above the table. His only question, repeated several times, during his first hour was "Will there be any girls coming?"
After attending several weeks, his attitude changed dramatically as is illustrated in the photos. After selecting his interview outfit, he was a little embarassed to admit he didn't know how to "do a tie". Major Penny J. Shaffer gave him a quick lesson and demonstration on how to "do a tie" and he successfully (with great pride) tied his own tie.
Later on in the shopping trip, Ethan was observed teaching another student how to "do a tie" demonstrating his new learned skill.
Ethan has demonstrated in just a few shorts weeks his desire to learn skills has greatly increased and his realization that he can be successful in life is truly remarkable.
Transformations in program participants are rarely seen in just over a month, but this case is certainly a blessing only God could ordain!
"Tools for Life" is a life skills program offered for families and teenagers. The objective of the program is to assist individuals in securing the necessary skills to live self-sufficiently. Topics include: Budgeting, Parenting, Etiquette, Job Search, Stress, Healthy & Well-Being, Nutrition, etc.