Trent’s Story

Trent Griffin-Braaf had a vision—a Roadmap to Success™ that he had carefully crafted over time following his incarceration at a young age. 

The plan with the youth from one of our group homes was straightforward: an 8-week program designed to prepare these young men, aged 14 – 18, for the workforce. But as Trent spent time with the participants, he quickly realized that what these youth needed wasn’t just career readiness—they needed personal development, something many had missed out on due to their circumstances. 

The program was meant to serve a small group, with no more than eight participants each week. But even within this intimate setting, challenges arose. Some youth had to leave the group home before the program ended, and one participant was juggling high school baseball and a job at McDonald’s, making his attendance sporadic. Despite these hurdles, Trent remained committed to each young person who walked through the door. 

From the start, it was clear that this group had unique needs. Trent recognized that before they could focus on job skills, they needed to build self-esteem, learn how to communicate effectively and gain the confidence to navigate the world. So, the program shifted. It became less about preparing for interviews and more about preparing for life. 

Week by week, the transformation was remarkable. The participants began to open up, their confidence growing with each session. They learned how to build resumes and practice interview techniques, but they also learned how to set and achieve goals—skills that would serve them far beyond the workplace. Trent introduced SMART goals, helping the youth to set clear, attainable objectives. By the end of the program, each participant was setting daily goals for themselves, a habit that would hopefully stick with them for years to come. 

But the journey wasn’t without its bumps. The first week’s engagement was low, leaving Trent concerned. However, he knew that incentives could spark motivation, so he introduced rewards for participation. The change was immediate. Suddenly, the youth were more involved, contributing to discussions and engaging in activities. By the end of the program, two participants had earned gift cards for their outstanding engagement, and three of the youth had completed a book assignment, with one going above and beyond to submit a full book report. 

As the program came to a close, Trent took a moment to reflect. The growth he had witnessed was undeniable. These young people, who had come into the program with so many challenges, were leaving it with a new sense of purpose. The surveys conducted after the program confirmed this—they were on a path to success, just as he had hoped. 

With the program behind him, Trent couldn’t help but feel proud of what they had accomplished together. The road hadn’t always been easy, but it had been worth every step. Now, he was ready to take on the next challenge, eager to continue empowering and supporting the community’s youth in the projects to come.