“They gave me an opportunity to do better. Without them, I wouldn’t be driving a truck,” Tyler said. “Anybody should try and take this route when they get out.”
“I knew there was a program that could help, but I didn’t know there was someone who would help every step of the way,” said Tyler Mehler, VOA Recovery Reintegration graduate.
After being released from prison in 2023, 31-year-old London, KY native, Tyler, was looking for a fresh start—a second chance at a healthy life with a stable job to support his six-year-old daughter, Aria. But he didn’t know where to begin until a friend connected him with Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) Recovery Reintegration Program (RRP.)
Since March of 2022, VOA RRP has been working to help people in recovery return to the workforce. The program offers job placement, training and follow-up, career counseling, mentoring and financial assistance. After exiting incarceration, Tyler was connected with one of RRP’s Workforce Development Specialists, Amy Rowland.
Amy went to work for Tyler, helping him enroll in a Commercial Driver’s License program through the Career Development Center.
“She helped me any possible way she could. She helped me with things I didn’t realize I needed, like purchasing boots, clothes and other stuff,” Tyler said. “She’s just a really positive person and someone who believed in me.”
With financial support from VOA RRP, Tyler earned his Commercial Driver’s License in April 2023 and started working as a Bull Hauler for JW Livestock.
“I love my job. It doesn’t even feel like work,” Tyler said.
He enjoys the long drives, open roads and the excitement of hauling livestock. Plus, the busy schedule keeps him focused on his goals and redirects him from his previous lifestyle that included drugs, alcohol and crime. When he’s home, his only focus is on spending time with Aria.
“I knew I could make money doing this and I knew I would be away from home. It’s easy to fall into old habits if it’s in your face every day,” he said.
In April of this year, Tyler plans to purchase his own semi and start his own business. He’s grateful to VOA RRP and Amy for helping him get where he is today.
“They gave me an opportunity to do better. Without them, I wouldn’t be driving a truck,” Tyler said. “Anybody should try and take this route when they get out.”
The Manchester Enterprise, March 6, 2024
