As Seattle's first social realtor, every sale with Chapman Homes helps a person in need at no additional cost to you. See how it works HERE.
Weld Seattle has the critical job of serving as a bridge between worlds. When
people are transitioning out of incarceration or recovering from addiction, being
met with compassion, support, and the right resources will often make the
difference between life and death. At Weld, we point the way towards a
successful life on the outside, free from the cycle of relapse and re-offence.
Weld’s role is to help people manage a tough transition with a sense of dignity
and connection that may have been missing during their hard times. The
connections we build with our members are an essential part of our work. We
take immense pride in being more than a service provider – we offer community,
connection, and guidance to people who have reached out for help. Here is Sean’s
story, in his own words:
“I was battling with addiction. I had been out of prison a few years, but had a
Department of Corrections violation, and was on the run for a little over a year.
377 days, but who’s counting…
I really paid for my addiction. When I was arrested this time, I was done. I’m 37
years old, and I was broken. When I got out, I started going to a 12-step program,
and had just gotten a temporary ID and social security card back. One day I was
on the bus, talking to this guy, and he said there is this company called Weld—he
told me all about the mission and how Weld helps keep people from re-
offending. So I filled out the application.
I wanted to be able to work somewhere where my employer knew I had to see
my DOC officer. I still had a little over 6-9 months left. It sucks having to tell
somebody, “Hey, I have to go once a week to check-in and report…”
So I went to the orientation and Weld seemed right. Working through a temp service up in Everett I was only making $13.75 minimum wage. I was lucky to ever make $15 an hour – and Weld offered to pay me $16, so I figured what the hell, I’ll go try it.
The first job Weld sent me on was great; I’m still there. The superintendent plays
guitar and so does one of the other foremen. That’s one of the things I really love
to do—play music, and something I lost in my addiction. I just fit in at that job
right away, and I’ve been with them ever since.
I got my license back, and I got a $4 an hour raise, which was great. Weld really went to bat for me to try to get me hired, and my life has changed. Before I was just running and gunning, working like 3-4 hours a night under the table for this guy who treated me badly, and every penny I made I spent on meth or heroin.
Now I’ve got six months clean. I’m paying my child support and I’m in full
compliance with DOC. I made my mind up that I was done. I don’t know what it
was. They shouldn’t call meth speed, they should call it stop, because everything
in my life had stopped. I had no relationship with my kids or my ex. I didn’t have
a car – I was riding a pedal bike. My life is a lot better.
Now, at my job, I have some freedom to set my own schedule. They trust me, I
have codes to the doors and locks, and they even let me use their vehicles.
Besides working with Weld, I’m very active in a 12-step program. That’s where
my life is at today.
If this project ends and I have to go find another job, I know that Weld will hook
me up. They throw me bones all the time. I want to be like some Weld guys I
know, be successful and have my life together, and be able to say I have many
years sober. That would be a lifetime.”
Matthew Chapman works hard to make your home buying or selling experience enjoyable and gives part of every commission to help a person in need.