Like many people wanting to change their lives, Benton Harbor resident Kent Rush just needed a nudge in the right direction.Four years ago, Rush, 26, struggled to support three children, "running into a lot of temporary jobs, dead-end jobs, not making any cash - it was just like a dead-end street," he said.
At one of those jobs Rush suffered a thumb injury that had his doctors talking about amputation, which didn't happen.
"I was going into debt, I almost lost my house, I had to take off work eight weeks - I'm (saying), like, 'This factory work isn't gonna get it,'" he said.
But Rush's fortunes changed after joining YouthBuild, which is run by Michigan Works of Berrien Cass and Van Buren counties. YouthBuild is now part of the Bridge Academy, which opened last fall at 777 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor.
The academy is a year-round alternative school for anyone 16 and over who is looking to complete their general education diploma or high school diplomas, Chief Education Officer Chris Fielding said.
Those who finish the program gain the job and life skills they need to function while making the transition to a better career.
"Employers are going, 'Please take direction, be part of a team, don't argue with everybody and be on time,'" Fielding said. "As a work force development organization, we have that opportunity to instill those skills."
Rush has seen that example play out in his life.
He works for Shelton Construction, which has taken him to major projects like the carousel restoration at Silver Beach and the Harbor Shores clubhouse.
www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2011/07/26/local_news/5807085.txt
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