DED of Chester County
Reginald Loper

Reginald Loper walked into the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) and said, “I need a job.”

About three years ago, Reggie simply wanted “to keep my life on track, and to make today better than yesterday.” The 59-year-old man had been clean and sober for three years but, because of 10 years of drug and alcohol abuse, lacked a steady job and a home to call his own.

OIC enrolled Reggie in its Preparing for Independence Program. The program, funded through the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD), the Community Action Agency for Chester County, is a job readiness training program for homeless and unemployed adults.

The primary goal was safe housing. The Salvation Army of West Chester placed Reggie in their men’s emergency shelter on the condition that he stick with the OIC program. Reggie did, never missing an appointment, working on his job search techniques, live telephone interviews, and mock interviewing. When he faced rejection, Reggie remained steadfast.

Then one day Reggie got a break. A local staffing agency contacted OIC with a job for a warehouse worker. Reggie aced the interview and was to start Monday. OIC worked with the employer to make sure Reggie had everything he needed to begin work..

Things were rolling along smoothly. Reggie was given more responsibility and the company made him permanent. He also was able to move from the shelter to his own apartment. But then Reggie hit a bump in the road as the company was forced to lay people off.

The staffing agency again called OIC, looking for someone to work part-time at Sam’s Club. OIC thought of Reggie, but when Reggie got the news, he was surprisingly sullen, viewing the part-time job as a step down.

Reggie finally decided to take the job at Sam’s Club and was soon working five days a week.

At the same time, Reggie heard OIC staff discussing the need for a new cleaning service. He offered his services and began cleaning for OIC part time. As always, OIC found Reggie efficient and thorough.

After a few months, Reggie began working full-time at Wegman’s Food Market, where he has been for over a year. In October 2003, Reggie received “Merchant of the Month” honors for outstanding work performance. Even with his full-time responsibilities, Reggie continues to provide cleaning services to OIC twice a week.

“Reggie has been clean and sober for six years now,” said Joyce, now the OIC executive director. “For three of those years Reggie has shared his upward journey with Chester County OIC. I must say, however, it is we who are most grateful.”

The Chester County Department of Community Development is a public Community Action Agencies serving low-income residents of Chester County.