From “Downhill” to On Track: Shay’s Inspiring Story of Diligence and Reentry

Before she came to City of Refuge in December of 2022, Shadamieon (Shay) Williams’s life was going “downhill.” A few months earlier, Shay had been released from prison, and she was looking for a fresh start. That’s when she heard about City of Refuge. 

But in the process of transitioning into Eden Village, some legal issues resurfaced. For a while, it seemed as if it all might fall through for Shay. Greg Washington, City of Refuge’s Director of Reentry, reached out to The Georgia Justice Project and asked if they would let the judge know that Shay was in the process of enrolling in CoR’s Reentry Program. 

Thankfully, the judge agreed. Shay wasted no time in getting to work. She joined a recovery support group and started attending weekly meetings. She received encouragement and accountability from mentors. 

But by far the most impressive growth occurred in the job training arena. For many formerly incarcerated individuals, finding work is incredibly difficult. And stable employment has been shown to reduce recidivism. That’s why City of Refuge has a number of programs designed to help men and women gain new skills and find a promising career. 

In less than six months, Shay earned four different certifications, including ones for forklift, logistics, and observation. Certifications like these will make it much more likely that she’ll be able to find a stable job. 

Shay also completed Arby’s Management Training Program, a new partnership with City of Refuge which helps individuals prepare for a career in restaurant management.  

“She’s truly taken every opportunity that City of Refuge has put in front of her,” said Greg. 

For now, Shay is pursuing job opportunities at Forward Air, a logistics company with a number of warehouses in Georgia. 

Long term, she hopes to get her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). But most importantly, Shay says, “I want to be in a better space with God, myself, and family.” 

We couldn’t be prouder of Shay’s remarkable initiative and diligence, and we can’t wait to see where the Lord leads her next. 

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