Shermarie B.
When Shermarie B. enrolled in Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC), he carried a profound desire to transcend his past and forge a brighter future—not just for himself, but for his daughters. A convicted felon living in a halfway house at the time, Shermarie made his readiness for change clear from day one. “I was tired of my past dictating my future,” he recalls. “I knew I needed a fresh start, not just for me, but for my kids to see a different path.”
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite numerous hurdles, including the critical absence of a birth certificate—essential for obtaining a driver’s license and eventually his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)— Shermarie remained steadfast. Hailing from Chicago, IL, he faced significant challenges in acquiring the out-of-state document. Yet, instead of succumbing to this barrier, he actively sought assistance and embraced FFSC’s staff and resources. “It felt like one thing after another was trying to hold me back,” Shermarie shared. “But FFSC reminded me, ‘I’ve come too far to give up now.'”
A Pivotal Journey to Chicago
With the unwavering support of FFSC Employment Director Jarrett Kendall, who personally arranged and purchased Shermarie’s train ticket to Chicago, Shermarie successfully retrieved his birth certificate. Soon after, he secured his Missouri driver’s license—a pivotal stride towards his CDL goal. “Mr. Kendall went above and beyond for me,” Shermarie expressed with gratitude. “That train ticket wasn’t just a ride; it was a symbol of someone believing in me.”
Driving Towards a New Career
Once that significant obstacle was cleared, Shermarie wasted no time. Day after day, he immersed himself in studying for the CDL permit exam. His relentless persistence and hard work yielded success: he passed the permit test and is now in the final week of his CDL training, honing his skills on the road, poised to launch a new career in commercial driving. “I put in the hours, no matter what,” he stated. “Every late night studying felt like I was building a brick in my new foundation.”
Personal Growth and Paternity
Shermarie’s growth extends beyond his professional pursuits; it is deeply personal. FFSC’s program emphasizes parenting, and Shermarie has exemplified this by stabilizing his economic future, becoming a more present, reliable, and capable father. His dedication to personal transformation has laid a stronger groundwork for his daughters, who now have a living testament to resilience, responsibility, and profound change. “My kids are my biggest motivators,” he affirmed. “Seeing their faces reminds me why I’m doing all of this. I want to be the dad they deserve.”
Shermarie’s journey stands as powerful evidence that with the right mindset, steadfast support, and unwavering determination, the past does not dictate the future. He adds, “This program didn’t just give me a second chance; it gave me a whole new life.”
