“After I had been on the job for 3 months, Tony (my boss) and I sat down for a talk and he told me he was glad he hired me.”

Steven Bell recalls a good childhood growing up in St. Louis. He graduated from Soldan High School, but it was there that he was first introduced to drugs. While in the Navy, Steven became a drug dealer. After his military service, Steven had a great job as an automotive machinist, but drugs and dealing landed him in prison.

“I had gone to my bottom, I don’t think I could have gone any lower.” Steven made up his mind that he was not going to do it anymore.

After being released from prison, Steven came to St. Patrick Center and our Project REACH (Re-Entry, Employment, Assistance, Counseling & Housing) program. St. Patrick Center helped him with job preparation and job hunting, which led to his job at Archway Trucking. “In the interview, I told Tony (my boss) all I need is a chance and I’ll show you what I can do.” Steven has been employed at Archway for five months.

In addition to his job, Steven has his own apartment, a supportive girlfriend and has been clean and sober for four years.

1. Christina

   April 28, 2011 at 4:13 pm

   Steven- I am hoping that Steven is still doing well and would love for him to get into contact with me so that he can talk to his son. Steven, your son is searching for you and would love to have a relationship with you. Email me at christinamwild@gmail.com so we can talk. Your son is now 17 and great, please help his dreams come true! PLEASE!
2. victor tecco

   July 24, 2011 at 2:01 pm

   I was in the navy with steven bell aka bert I am very happy to see he is doing well he was everyones friend. Bert please call me I would love to hear from you. Your buddy cheeseman 484 614 2483