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Meet Destiny L., a BronxWorks Participant

Destiny L., a BronxWorks Participant
Destiny L., a BronxWorks Participant

My children are my world, my heart, and I’d do anything for them.”

Destiny has lived at Twin Parks West for over 33 years. She is a mother of two, a 12-year old and a 1-year old.

Destiny learned about BronxWorks when Dominique Jackson, the Assistant Program Director of the Twin Parks/Highbridge/Franklin Community Services Program, was conducting outreach during the pandemic to inform residents of the services that BronxWorks provides to those communities. “She gave everyone the opportunity to participate, whether through the food pantry or through getting a job.”

The BronxWorks Community Services Program serves all residents 18 and over in the Twin Parks, Highbridge, and Franklin public housing developments. The workforce program enhances the skills of working residents through vocational trainings, job readiness preparation, and supportive services, providing new career opportunities and pathways to long-term employment. In addition, the program provides residents with emergency food with a weekly food pantry.

Destiny was originally working at a nonprofit but was laid off during the pandemic when everyone was forced to stay home. She started working with BronxWorks Workforce Development. “This was more a matter of, ‘I need to be working right now.’ I had to do something,” she said. Through the Workforce Program, Destiny was able to complete her OSHA30 Certification, making her eligible for a job at a construction site.

I had to do the footwork and BronxWorks helped me along the way.”

Destiny also started coming to the Twin Parks Food Pantry to get a little more of the food items and varieties that she and her family needed. “The pantry is pretty important because, as everybody knows, the world we live in right now, everything is going sky-high,” Destiny says, “and sometimes things are not affordable. For them to have the food pantry on-site, it helps out a lot.”

The program also runs the community center at Twin Parks West, and now offers activities and workshops for children and families on-site. “Destiny enjoys the community center events with her kids,” says Dominque Jackson, “They attend the health and wellness workshops. They make food and eat together. Her son comes down sometimes to utilize the computer lab.”

Destiny’s story is shared by so many people in the Bronx who have, through an unprecedented challenge, used the resources available to them to not only survive but build a better future for themselves and their communities. “Destiny has overcome a lot of barriers throughout her time here and especially through the pandemic,” says Dominique, “She is definitely resilient. She did not let those barriers stop her from thriving.”

“Things are definitely getting better,” Destiny says.

If we keep a positive mindset, you’re always gonna have a smile on your face. Especially if you have kids.”

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