Robert W.

Former Life Coach/Current Volunteer

"When I was a youth, I never had a father figure to discipline me nor to show me the right things to do. My mother was on drugs and no one was around to take care of me so I felt the need to start selling drugs to survive. I was sent to DCFS until I was 13 then finally was adopted by my aunt where I grew up through pain & sadness, missing my parents. I used to feel that no one could help me so I was selling drugs on the block and risking my chances of going to jail. I ended up getting arrested and while incarcerated I prayed day & night for my life to change."

"After my release from IDOC in 2011 my uncle, the Roll Call Counselor, introduced me to Roll Call’s Life Coach. A few days after meeting the Life Coach, I went up to Roll Call, and instantly received assistance; I knew then that I was in the right place. Once involved I felt compelled to become a member of Roll Call because I knew helping others can also help myself and I wanted to be on the right track. After completing the program, I started volunteering. I was able to meet great politicians through the process and also got a chance to tell my story to those that I helped."

"It feels good to wake up knowing that I have a job, a place to go help someone, things to do and to be a part of Roll Call. I have always dreamed of being a politician and I am still going after that dream. With Roll Call in my corner, I can see it happening."