Laurent’s Story: From Stranger to Neighbor

When Laurent was released from incarceration, he wasn’t returning to the place he called home.
Originally located in Kansas City, Missouri, he had never even been to St. Louis before his incarceration. Upon his release, he found himself in an unfamiliar city with no support system, limited resources, and no clear path forward. Like many people leaving prison, he wasn’t simply looking for a job. He was trying to rebuild his life.

That’s where Concordance stepped in.

Looking back on his journey, Laurent describes just how overwhelming those first few months after his release were:

“I don’t know where I would be today without this program. Three months out of prison I didn’t imagine I would be here. When you’re in prison and they have everything for you, you think you’re ready to get out and then you realize you aren’t ready. I’m 45 years old and don’t know most of the stuff I should. Concordance gave me all the stuff I needed to know, that I didn’t know I needed until I got out.”
— Laurent, Concordance Participant

Laurent enrolled in Concordance’s program and began Career Readiness Training, where he worked with staff to strengthen his resume, prepare for interviews, and build the professional skills needed to compete in today’s workforce. At the same time, Concordance’s Employment Relationship Managers were building relationships with employers committed to second-chance hiring, creating opportunities for participants like Laurent before they ever walked into an interview.

Those efforts came together at Concordance’s Reverse Job Fair, where participants meet directly with employers. Before the event, Laurent visited the Concordance Boutique and selected professional clothing at no cost, helping him walk into the job fair with confidence. Equipped with the skills he had developed and dressed for success, he connected with one of Concordance’s employer partners and secured an interview.

Laurent’s journey is a reminder that lasting success isn’t built through a single service. It takes coordinated support, meaningful relationships, and opportunities at every step. Today, Laurent has stable housing, is in the process of becoming employed, and is already giving back to his community by volunteering at the church across the street from his apartment. There, he helps distribute food through the community pantry and, when needed, receives support from that same pantry himself.
When people are given the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed, they don’t simply re-enter society. They become neighbors, contributors, and a source of strength for the communities they call home.