Derrick Buchanon knows a thing or two about building. Not only has he worked steadily in construction for the past year, but he's also managed to establish a solid foundation for himself and his family.

For years, Derrick struggled to find the occasional odd jobs in new construction, flooring, and plumbing, and relied on government assistance to support his family. A counselor directed him to Power of Work where he enrolled in an intensive, month-long job readiness program.

"The staff at Power of Work kept me focused. I had nothing when I started the program, but they prepared me well for interviews and for having meaningful conversations with potential employers," said Derrick. "Graduating from the program and getting that certificate made me feel like I was on top of the world."

Equipped with interview skills and confidence, Derrick applied in person for a framing position at a job site. He spoke with the site manager and the company's owner about his construction experience and was hired on the spot. While holding down a job, Derrick attended night classes to earn his GED in August 2008. He recently accepted a higher-paying job with another construction company and is proud to have earned independence from government assistance. As for the future, he plans to eventually use his skills to reach a more personal goal — building his own home.

"Power of Work is a great place to start anew," said Derrick. "I learned how to live a good life and get a good job. The class helped get me where I am today, and what makes me most proud is being able to provide for my children."