Ben’s Story

When Ben moved to Chicago from San Francisco to help his sister care for their elderly mother, he didn’t expect finding work to be his greatest challenge. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree, a gap in his employment history made his job search difficult, until he found Growing Home.

From his very first Information Session, Ben stood out. Quiet yet steady, he attended the first cohort of 2025 and followed up weekly to secure his place, demonstrating determination long before the program began. Cohort 1 is no small undertaking; he braved winter weather while preparing the farm for the growing season, but Ben showed up every day ready to work, learn, and contribute. His consistency and focus quickly set him apart.

After completing the Employment Training Program, Ben transitioned directly into our IT Training Program, becoming one of the few participants to complete both. Today, he proudly holds his CompTIA A+ certification and is preparing for his Security+ exam.

Ben’s connection to Growing Home didn’t end at graduation. He continues to volunteer with Nourishing Hope’s monthly food distributions, attended the Growing Home Gala with his sister, and remains engaged by supporting IT graduations and visiting partners like PCs for People Chicago.

His journey is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, humility, and community, new beginnings are always possible.