At a young age, Joe Owens was forced to take on more adult responsibilities than he could reasonably handle. His parents’ relationship was falling apart, leaving him to take care of his autistic younger brother. Joe fell into the wrong crowd, began drinking and doing drugs, and attempted suicide. His grades plummeted. Through our mentoring program, Joe gained self-confidence and realized he could create a better future for himself. He graduated from high school and went on to work in the manufacturing industry and for Winning Futures as a program specialist. Today he works at MSC Industrial Supply where he facilitates customer service, sales, and technical services training. Joe spends his free time with his family, taking art classes, and volunteering at the Michigan Renaissance Festival and comic conventions.
“Nothing ever comes easy,” said Joe. “But Winning Futures taught me that we all have the tools to succeed right in front of us. We just have to ask the right questions and find the right people to help.”