Stephen Builds a Sustainable Plan for the Future with Center for Working Families

Growing up on a farm in Alabama, Stephen Hastings learned at an early age what it meant to work hard. From the outside looking in, life appeared normal for Stephen and his family, but between farm chores, divorced parents and bullies at his school, times weren’t always easy. Through some trying adolescent years, Stephen found ways to ease his mind. His first coping mechanisms were reading and writing. He distinctly recalls reading A Wrinkle in Time, traditionally an eighth-grade level reading book, when he was in just the third grade. Despite his advanced reading level, the school staff insisted that Stephen be placed in special education, where he grew increasingly bored and was constantly taunted by his peers. “I was raised with manners,” said Stephen. “I knew right from wrong and how you should treat people.” Even with his bright outlook, Stephen’s life was slowly moving in a downward spiral. In 1997, his mother passed away, and his dad took full custody. Hoping for better opportunities, Stephen dropped out of high school and traveled with his father to Indiana in a search of higher-wage jobs. But finding jobs wasn’t easy, so the father-son duo slept in their car or on the streets until they found stable employment. In time, Stephen found a job as a housekeeper at a hospital and eventually saved up enough money for an apartment. They made ends meet for the next 14 years, but when Stephen was unexpectedly fired from his job, he was left with few options. To make matters worse, Stephen’s father became ill and passed away, leaving him depressed and alone. While searching for another job, Stephen depleted his savings, retirement and unemployment. He was evicted from his apartment and once again homeless. He also received a diagnosis of Asperger’s disease, which only added to the stress he was already experiencing. Although Stephen quickly secured a job through a temp agency, he was not financially stable enough to secure housing. Some nights he would get a motel room, but others he would sleep on the streets of Indianapolis. Not knowing where to turn, Stephen walked into the John H. Boner Center. This time, he was ready for a lasting change.“I walked past The Boner Center every day, so I was familiar, but this time I wanted help for real,” said Stephen. And real help is just what he received. Through the Center for Working Families program at The John H. Boner Center, Stephen began creating a sustainable plan of action with the assistance of a social worker, financial coach and career coach. Through this comprehensive approach, Stephen traded in his two part-time jobs, for one higher paying job with better hours as a security guard at a restaurant. Additionally, he was accepted into the housing program through the Boner Center and became a resident at their on-site apartment complex. With more rest and fewer worries, he began enjoying his job, interacting with patrons and co-workers. Today, with the help of Center for Working Families, Stephen’s credit score and net worth has increased significantly, and he is in the process of obtaining his driver’s license. From there, his career plan is to acquire his commercial driver’s license so he will have an industry-recognized credential, which will lead him into a field that will prepare him for retirement. One day, he also hopes to publish the novels he has written over the years. But best of all, his stance on life is better than it’s ever been. “Today I wake up thankful and grateful for what I have.”