Lasheea Andrews makes and sells skin care products. Magda Joseph runs a manicure and nail art business. Rhonda Perry operates a catering business. Terrell Scott is launching a mobile auto mechanic business.

Each of these new entrepreneurs recently earned a Work Life diploma from Shepherd Community Center after completing 11 weeks of training.

The program – under the leadership of Ieta Kimbrough, a family engagement specialist and employment coach – is about more than strengthening job and life skills. It’s about fresh starts, second chances and new hope.

Each of the graduates received a grant to help launch their business, and Kimbrough will continue to coach them for the next year as they operate their new enterprises.

At the graduation ceremony, with family and friends in attendance, the new business owners had a chance to talk about their experiences in the program.

“Your belief changes trajectories!” one graduate said about Shepherd’s Family Engagement team.

Another said: “If God is working through our good and working through our bad, why should we be weary? The Lord has been working through my good and my bad, so I’m not weary. I thought it was over for me. I did drugs and alcohol in the past and thought it was over. But God is good. He came and got me out of my mess. I’m grateful to be here today because everyone here wants the best for me. I love you all. Praise the Lord!”

Another graduate spoke about the hard journey behind her and the road ahead: “Seeing entrepreneurs, leaders, friends and family all in one room is humbling… and honestly a little surreal. When I started this work life class, my family and I had recently survived three years of homelessness. I didn’t imagine I’d be standing here celebrating the finish line – I was just trying to make it to the next step.

“This moment represents more than completing a class. It represents growth, healing, discipline and obedience. Because stepping into entrepreneurship isn’t just a career move – it’s a calling. And I believe God doesn’t waste seasons, even the hard ones.

“I’ll be honest – this journey didn’t start in confidence. It started in uncertainty. There were moments when survival was the goal, not success. Moments when I showed up tired, and questioning whether I even belonged in rooms like this one. Scripture tells us in Proverbs 16:3, ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.’ That became my anchor in this season. Commitment showed up as discipline. Discipline showed up as consistency. And consistency built confidence.

“This season stretched me – taught me that resilience isn’t loud – it’s consistent. It’s choosing to show up again. It’s learning when to ask for help. It challenged my faith. It forced me to face gaps I didn’t know I had. And yes – there were days I questioned myself. But there were also days I realized: I’m stronger than I thought.

“It’s realizing that preparation is a form of faith. This class gave me tools, but more importantly, it gave me perspective. It reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about stewardship: of ideas, of opportunities, of community. And if you’ve ever Googled “how to be an entrepreneur” at 2 a.m. while praying at the same time — you’re my people. 

“To the Shepherd Community leaders in this room, especially Ms. Ieta: Thank you for investing your time, not just in businesses, but in people. To my peers and classmates: thank you for the encouragement, the accountability, and the reminders that I wasn’t walking this path alone.

“To my friends and family: thank you for your patience, your prayers, and for believing in me on days when my belief was a little quieter.

“And to God: thank You for carrying me through a hard season, ordering my steps and trusting me with what comes next.”