Life After Hope For Tomorrow

Matthew has been working at Publix for the last 4 years and currently holds the position of Front Service Clerk. Matthew really enjoys his job and says he strives to provide excellent customer service each and every day.

Future Plans:

Since being recognized as Employee of the Month for June 2025, Matthew is currently working towards a promotion and to move to the grocery department. He looks forward to a chance to assist in inventory management and ensuring the shelves are always fully stocked so customers can always find exactly what they need.

"Hope For Tomorrow really helped me with my interview and knowing how to answer the questions. The interview and hiring process moved really fast for me, so knowing what to say I think really helped. It also really helped me know how to work with my co-workers and managers and how to talk to customers." - Matthew Kelly

April graduated the Hope For Tomorrow Vocational Program and pursued her passion for entrepreneurship! April has been working and managing her own cleaning business cleaning residential homes in the Spring Hill, FL area for about 2 years.

Future Plans:

April plans to continue to pursue her entrepreneurship dreams by growing her business and overall client base.

"Hope For Tomorrow helped me to discover other jobs and narrow down what I liked and what I do not like. The animal shelter showed me that I liked cleaning, but I do not want to work with animals." - April Connor 

Following graduation, Zachery  secured a position working for Hope Ranch Learning Academy. He has held the position of custodial specialist for over 4 years and loves working along side his fellow staff members. If you ever stop by the HRLA offices, you will often be enthusiastically greeted by Zachery. 

Future Plans:

Zach plans to continue to improve and grow in his current position and do his absolute best in all that he sets his mind to. Zachery also has a love and talent for drawing and plans to continue to pursue this passion as well. He often sells his drawings at local community events like the HRLA Hoedowns and Jamborees. 

"Hope helped me speak, make friends, and taught me how to live." - Zachery St. Onge

Sarah has been working at Dollar Tree just shy of 3 years. She is a dedicated worker! Sarah has to take 2 buses to get from her home to work each day and she maintains a happy and positive attitude!

Future Plans:

Sarah plans to one day become a published author.

"Hope really helped me grow in my faith and made me thankful for all that I have. I have much more than some other people. Hope taught me to love others and to pray for those in need. They also helped me get out of my comfort zone and I am a chatter box now." - Sarah Dunford

Jose has decided to continue his education after graduating from the Hope For Tomorrow Vocational Program and was accepted to St. Leo University where he currently studies Cyber Security.

Future Plans:

Jose plans to pursue a future as a Cyber Security Analyst.

Connor began working for his family's lawncare business while he was still a student in the Hope For Tomorrow program. To this day, Connor has continued to work for the family business and has found great success and a sense of accomplishment. Connor is a very hard and dedicated worker, and shows this through his daily efforts in his position.

Future Plans:

Connor hopes to carry on the family legacy and continue to run the family business after his father retires. 

Jayvyn has recently been hired by the Sheriff's Ranch's Thrift Store! Jayvyn started volunteering at the thrift store as a student through the Hope For Tomorrow Work Based Learning Experiences, which ultimately landed him a part-time job with the organization! 

Future Plans:

Jayvyn plans to continue his work with the thrift store and is working to save up for his first car! 

"Hope For Tomorrow helped me come out of my shell and learn how to talk to people. Talking to people makes me uncomfortable sometimes, but Hope helped me feel more confident and comfortable talking with people." - Jayvyn Gudino