Success Stories

Kurt

For over thirty years I lived a life that many would envy. As an international flight attendant I traveled the world, dined with dignitaries, and served as the head flight attendant for the Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles as well as flying 30 teams of NBA basketball players to their games. I had the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals, including dining with former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama at the white House, courtesy of my good friend Angela Reed who at the time was the chief usher. And in addition, I worked alongside the late Congressman John Lewis, as a liaison officer. I hold a master's degree in communications. I own homes in both Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, traveled to over 100 countries and enjoyed a life filled with purpose, glamor, and adventure. But in 2020, my world came crashing down. A series of several misfortunes left me homeless. I lost both homes. I lost my investments, and for a time, I lost hope in my life. With no family to turn to I was referred to Broward House, a shelter where I was told I could only stay for six months. During that time, I suffered a devastating accident that left me with a broken hip. My physical pain, compounded by the emotional toll of losing everything that I had worked for encompassed me. My mental health deteriorated, and I began to spiral deeper and deeper into severe depression and anxiety. The uncertainty of where I would go after the six months at Broward House weighed heavily on me. When my time at Broward House ended, I moved to another shelter; a place filled with recovering addicts, drug addicts, and recently released incarcerated men. My hip injury became worse, and I was forced to rely on a walker and a wheelchair. Medicaid denied my request for a hip replacement three times, and I felt utterly defeated. I turned 60 years old in January of 2022, and I found myself questioning the value of my life. I had no partner, no children, no family, no friends, and no clear path forward. So, on my birthday, January 18th, 2022, I gathered all my mental health pills, my blood pressure pills, pain medication, and anything I could find, ready to end my life. I thought, what is there left for me to do? I have done everything; I've traveled all over the world, visited the great Wall of China, seen the Egyptian Sphinx and flown the Concorde. I even Studied in Paris, at the Sorbonne. What was there left for me to do? Everything I wanted to do, I did. So why is it that I was in this misery, pain and suffering?

But God had other plans. A few days later, the new shelter hired a case manager. During our conversation, she sensed my deep desperation, and after hearing my story she shared something that changed everything. She said to me: “You're having your Jobe moment.” And for those of you who, are of the Biblical persuasion, you will know the story of Jobe. Jobe was a wealthy man who lost everything, and he was being tested by God and his faith. She told me that one day I would look back on this chapter of my life and share my stories to inspire others; Imagine! She planted a seed of hope. Shortly after, she connected me with an organization called the Foot Print to Success Clubhouse, and the Clubhouse specializes in mental health support, job training, and job placement. I reached out and met with their team, including the founder and CEO, Miss Barbara Harmon. Despite my pain and the walker, which I relied on for support, I shared my story with Miss Barbara. She listened to me with a smile, and this smile kind of puzzled me. Little did I know that she was already working on a plan to change my life. A few days later, Miss Barbara called me and asked me to bring in my documents, passport, birth certificate, Social Security cards, all my personal documents. She had arranged an interview for me with an organization called CARRFOUR which was building a one-hundred-unit complex. I met with Courtney Dyson, our property manager and conducted the interview. He explained that there was a waitlist of over nine hundred people, and I knew the odds were against me. But three weeks later, I received a call; I had been approved. So, on February 13th, 2024, I finally underwent my hip replacement surgery and spent eight weeks in a Miami rehab facility learning to walk again. The road to recovery was treacherous and painful, but I was determined to reclaim my life. Then on June 1st, I received a call from some unknown number. It was Courtney from CARRFOUR. He said, “Kurt, you're all set to move in on June 3rd!” I couldn't believe it. I hung up the phone, sat on my bed, and I cried for about 15 minutes. It was like tears of relief, gratitude and joy all mixed in one. After months of uncertainty, I now had a place to call home. Today I stand before you as living proof that even in our darkest moments, there is hope. With faith, resilience, and the support of incredible organizations like the Foot Print to Success Clubhouse and CARRFOUR Supportive Housing.

Great things can happen, and did happen. My journey has taught me that no matter how far we fall, we can rise again. And to anyone out there struggling, I want you to know that your story isn't over. There are people who care, organizations that can help, and a future worth fighting for. So now, I would like to thank you for allowing me to share my story. Thank you Vice Mayor Floyd, Commissioner Rodriguez, Commissioner Hernandez, all of the other commissioners, and Senator Dan Rich. May we all continue to lift each other up and create a world where no one who has to face their struggles alone.