Nelson grew up in a single-parent household with three siblings. He struggled in school throughout his childhood and was diagnosed with a learning disability. Unfortunately, he did not receive the help or tools he needed to overcome his challenges, and that followed him into adulthood where he continued to face, as he puts it, “trials and tribulations.”

“I learned about Beacon Group in 2016 through my clinic and I began the process to do my referral from the rehab specialist to develop my education and job skills.”

He arrived at Beacon Group reading at a third-grade level and without a high school diploma. Beacon staff began offering Educational Supports in reading and math to build Nelson’s foundational skills. This was not a quick process. In fact, it took more than a year of dedication and a positive mindset for Nelson to improve his reading skills and prepare himself for GED testing. However, when that time arrived, he was ready.

According to his Vocational Education Instructor at Beacon, Kelli Jones, “Nelson quickly passed his civics exam, followed by social studies, science, and language arts.”

Then, with only his math exam left to pass, the pandemic hit, and GED testing centers were almost immediately closed. In 2021, Nelson’s older brother passed away. An unimaginable tragedy.

Nelson’s positive mentality and perseverance shone through as he chose to use these new “trials and tribulations” as motivation. In May of 2023, Nelson passed his final GED exam in math and earned his High School Equivalency Diploma from the Arizona Department of Education.

“My brother got his GED, and he was my inspiration to get it done,” says Nelson.

However, this was just the beginning. Nelson had also been working on his job skills, taking computer classes, and participating in Work Adjustment Training at Beacon. He earned a full-time job signature canvassing with Working America and educating the general public on a variety of public policy issues. He studies, learns scripts, and discusses these vital issues with members of the community. He was even invited to Georgia in 2022 during the Senate runoff to support election efforts.

Upon completion of his GED, Nelson enrolled in Rio Salado College’s Adult Education program and started in their partnership Construction Trades program at South Mountain Community College. He earned his Carpentry certification and through the program, he was able to help build a house. He has aspirations to continue at SMCC and complete the other Construction Trades certifications in electrical and plumbing, with the possibility of moving into the Construction Trades Management Associate degree program following that.

According to Kelli Jones, “Much of this was accomplished with personal motivation to work through challenges, determination to overcome obstacles, a positive mindset despite hardship, and always with his family in mind, supporting him from Puerto Rico.”

“All of this is possible because of the support of the staff and services offered at Beacon,” says Nelson. “I would not be where I am today without them.”

Click the links for more information about programs that Nelson participated in: Job Development and Skills Training. Make a donation in honor of Nelson’s success.

A special thanks to Barker Contracting and Beacon Board Director Brian Lepker, Project Manager at Barker Contracting, for their $3,500 #GIVINGTUESDAY matching donation pledge!