One afternoon, a tired man walked into my café asking for change. Instead of turning him away, I offered him a job. His name was Marcus. He had a criminal record, no home, and no hope—but he showed up every day, worked hard, and gave back half his pay to help others in need.
Over time, the café changed. So did Marcus. He reconnected with his sister, then his daughter, who forgave him after ten years apart. I offered him a permanent job. He worried he’d mess up. “Then we’ll deal with it,” I said.
He started training others, saved up, moved into his own place, and eventually was offered a supervisor job at a bakery. Now he runs it—and mentors others like him.
It all started with one question: “Do you want to work?” Sometimes, all it takes is a chance—and someone who believes in you.
