PPL Achievement Awards, 2009

April 28, 2009, the annual PPL Achievement Awards honored 17 program participants for their success in achieving their goals. Recipients must be involved in at least one program, but most are connected to more.

In a number of speeches, they told their stories and, while unique, each revealed a core similarity to the others. They came to PPL for one service and stayed when they found a number of integrated services could help them gain more control in their lives. In 2008, PPL served more 12,500 people.

Click on any photo below to launch the slide show.

Read the news story

Crystal Moore turned her life around from a destructive direction and now surrounds herself with positive people, places, and activities.

John Falvey came into the Trainee Program at PPL Industries to make positive headway toward permanent employment and establish a work history that would lead to a better job. He now works as a painter, cares for his parents.

Patrick Donaghue is a senior at Loring Nicollet Alternative School. He says the school changed everything about him – for the positive. He has accomplished ambitious goals since starting there, and he continues to set more.

Robert Andrews connected to PPL through a classroom-based program. He said he felt very defeated before the program but now feels “the only requirement for change is a dream, desire, and the right people along the way.”

Vandy Ravisankar found going through the Train to Work program helped her get a job a hospital, in a field she likes and she continues to study.

Abdul Aden has been a PPL Scholar since moving here from Kenya in 2008 to be with his family. His English improves every day. He’s a creative and thoughtful problem solver, and his peers look up to him.

Kefyalew Aga moved here from Ethiopia in 2005, alone and with minimal English skills. Since then, he has stayed employed and worked tirelessly to master English, increase his skills and certifications through training.

Daniel Flores Galarza has been in the Homework ‘n’ Hoops Mentor program for four years and made great academic and personal gains. He's shown that he's a leader, able to face adverse situations calmly, and be a great role model.

Mark Vences-Garcia is a recent graduate of MERC Alternative High School. He was involved with of gangs and fighting, and got suspended – until he started at MERC where he was regularly on the honor roll. He said, there, he “fit right in” and felt respect

Julie Peterson came to the Trainee Program at PPL SHOP over a year ago and credits that with giving her a platform to start re-building her life, and she’s looking ahead to going to school.

Nasteho Kheilie has lived in a PPL apartment since moving to America about a year ago. She’s connected with many PPL programs where she has shared her strong sense of community, her sense of humor, and her love of family.

Peachu Yates came to the United States in 2006, after spending several years in refugee camps across West Africa. She thinks PPL’s welfare-to-work program, Connections to Work should be called “Connections to Life.”

Rashi Smith moved in to PPL’s Non-Custodial Parents Housing program a year ago determined to gain a stronger footing in every part of his life. He now sees his children on a consistent and regular basis, cleared up debt, and saved some money.

Terinda Lee moved into a PPL apartment three years ago. she’s a great neighbor, helping residents become familiar with the neighborhood and PPL resources, or simply extending a friendly hello.

Troy Burton came to PPL for the technology and stayed for the people. He first used the self-directed learning tools and practice tests at the Computer Lab. But also found help with issues he faced as a parent, and with financial planning

Aicha Mamadou's young daughter attends Early Wonders Preschool and her son takes part in PPL’s Homework ‘n’ Hoops mentoring program. She works hard, tries to be a good role model for her children, and contribute to her community.

Tiffany Midas has worked with a number of staff at PPL and negotiated down her debt, repaired her credit and established more professional approach to her career.

Project for Pride in Living

Main Menu

Infrastructure Navigation

Utility Navigation

PPL Achievement Awards, 2009