Horizon Goodwill Awards Employer of the Year to Meritus Health

May 5, 2023

Horizon Goodwill Awards Employer of the Year to Meritus Health

(Hagerstown, Maryland, May 2023) Meritus Health was named “Employer of the Year” at Horizon Goodwill Industries’ (HGI) 68th Annual Power of Work Awards. The event, held in Hagerstown on May 3, 2023, is scheduled annually to coincide with National Goodwill Week.

The Power of Work Awards recognizes HGI’s participants’ and community partners’ hard work, dedication, and mission support each year. These individuals and businesses embody the HGI Mission of Removing Barriers and Creating Opportunities for employment throughout their four-state territory.

This year, nearly 150 people were in attendance including local officials, program participants, staff, representatives from partnering organizations, and community members.

The Employer of the Year Award recognizes an employer who has demonstrated outstanding support for assisting individuals by hiring program graduates or otherwise contributing to greater outplacement of program participants through their partnering with Horizon Goodwill Industries.

Meritus Health was selected because of its community support and work connecting people with sustainable employment opportunities. A team consisting of members representing Meritus Health, HGI, and Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) developed an innovative pilot program called “Pathways to Healthcare Careers,” which places low/moderate income candidates directly into living wage positions in one of five identified divisions at Meritus with support from HGI and MPC.

In addition to partnering on this innovative employment program, Meritus Health has also worked with HGI on several other health and community development initiatives. The two organizations successfully obtained funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) SEED fund. The SEED Community Development Anchor Institution Fund will aid in creating a full-service grocery store operated by HGI in the Hagerstown downtown core on Prospect St. This project aims to improve community economic and health outcomes by offering affordable healthy food options in the city.

Further collaborative efforts to improve access to healthcare resulted in the award of funds from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission’s “Pathways to Health Equity” program. This resulting project is known as the Hagerstown Health HUB. The two-year grant supports a primary care office at HGI’s downtown Hagerstown location. Meritus Health will provide a full-time nurse practitioner to staff the site. Patients will not be turned away based on insurance status; they will be seen and then connected to a healthcare navigator to assist them in obtaining health insurance.

“At Meritus, we are passionate about our community, and when we find team members who share that passion, it’s a natural fit. We’ve been so fortunate to find team members through this program who want to make a positive impact on their community,” said Dave Lehr, chief strategy officer for Meritus Health. “We’re honored to receive this award from Horizon Goodwill, but we’re even more honored to be able to share the outcomes of our initiatives that demonstrate not only the power of work but the power of working together,” he said.

Breaking the Barriers for Ex-offenders

March 16, 2023

Breaking the Barriers: Strategies for Finding Employment for Ex-offenders

by Lucille Adams, guest author*

Silhouette image of a businessman with broken chains in sunsetAccording to a report in 2021 released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BSJ), people who served time in federal prison due to drug offenses were likelier to be employed after their release than those who served time for other offenses. Finding a job is essential to reentering back to society as an ex-convict. Yet, it can take six months or even more to find a job after their release.

This article offers strategies for finding jobs for ex-offenders. This article also discusses ways in which people can help break down barriers for ex-offenders so they may lead everyday lives as working citizens.

Although ex-offenders may have difficulty finding jobs in society, they can use the following tips in this article to improve their chances of getting hired. Finding work can be difficult, and financial insecurity may cause stress.

Stress can directly lead to a stroke due to high blood pressure, causing irregular heartbeat and triggering the release of fatty acids that accumulate on the arterial walls. The middle cerebral artery is usually associated with acute stroke. For more information about the middle cerebral artery, check this article.

Strategies for Finding a Job After Prison

It is a known fact that searching for a job can be hard for anyone, but it can be more challenging for those with a criminal record. If you are an ex-offender, you can try out these strategies or tips to increase your chances of employment.

Refine your resume and make sure to highlight your strengths. Resumes act as a strong foundation when you’re looking for a job. You can try looking up different formats for your resume but ensure it is structured and easy to read. Remember to highlight your strength, experiences, and relevant skills. After polishing your resume, proofread it to avoid spelling or grammatical errors because that can cost you a job during an assessment or interview. Once you are done proofreading, you can start submitting your resume to future employers.
Start with a transition job: You can use the transitional employment strategy to prepare for permanent job placement. Transitional jobs are often offered to unemployed people who need help returning to the workforce. A transitional job can help you make money and be a stepping stone for future endeavors.
Look for companies open to taking in ex-convicts: If you are an ex-convict, many employers may rule you out due to a lack of experience or insufficient qualifications. They may also have found people who are better suited for the role. However, some companies take in ex-offenders. Search for those companies in your area that are open to hiring ex-convicts.
You can join a training program. Joining a training program or apprenticeship to help you with your skills can be added information to your resume. Experience is vital in a job, and honing what you are good at can benefit you and your future employer.
Be honest with your future employer. Being honest is crucial when speaking to your future employer because trust can go a long way when building relationships with the people around you. It is always best to be upfront about your situation instead of risking your employer’s finding out in the future. They might dismiss you immediately because of lying.
Feel free to ask for help or referrals to family and friends. Having a connection can save you the trouble of looking for jobs online. Asking your family or friends for referrals can widen your job search and opportunities.
Brush up on your conversation skills and practice for your interviews. Interviews are the best way to make an excellent first impression. Feeling anxious before an interview is normal. You can counter that feeling by preparing yourself for possible questions that an interviewer might ask and practicing introducing yourself to your interviewer. Remember to research the company and the position you will be applying for. They may ask you about it, which can determine whether you are competent and interested in the position.
Get references from previous employers. Quality references from trusted individuals can be helpful when looking for a job. References are essential because they give a potential employer more information about your work history and experience. References can also help reinforce the information you wrote on your resume.
Do not give up. Rejections are normal, but they can still be discouraging or disheartening. However, you need to persevere and not give up because landing a job will be worth it in the long run. Opportunities appear everywhere, but it is up to you to find them. If you have a loved one who just got out of prison and needs help finding a job, the following section may be helpful.

Help Create Job Opportunities for Ex-convicts

Although finding a job opportunity relies on the person looking, you can still help by supporting them. If you have a loved one that was formerly incarcerated, here are some ways to help them find a new job.

Write them a letter of recommendation or endorse their skills
Try looking into your former job for positions they might be interested in
Ask friends and family for referrals or recommendations
Help them update their resume
Encourage and support them emotionally

Ex-convicts will need a strong will and the help of others to reenter society as employed persons. It is important to remember that there will be setbacks along the way. Still, patience and a positive attitude may eventually lead to success.

Reference

Employment of Persons Released from Federal Prison in 2010

https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/eprfp10.pdf

*Lucille Adams is a researcher and writer in personal and business financial management. Her core focus covers sound, conservative cash flow and investing strategies that unlock long-term value for small business owners, entrepreneurs, families, and retirees.

Overcoming Ex-Offender Barriers

February 23, 2023

Overcoming Ex-Offenders’ Barriers to Finding Employment

by Lucille Adams, guest author*

A criminal record carries four “Cs” that can hamper your ability to find work, earn a living and even rent a house. The dreaded four Cs are the “criminal consequences of a criminal charge.”

These overreaching repercussions can cause lingering frustrations that don’t simply go away. A criminal record is a red flag that waves blatantly in front of the eyes of employers as they go through your personal information during your interview.

A recent report by RAND Corporation, a non-profit think tank, showed that as of 2022, 64% of unemployed Americans have criminal records.

People with criminal records face challenging barriers, especially in employment. According to a study conducted by the Prison Policy Initiative, the unemployment rate is about 27%, even higher than the unemployment rate in the United States during the Great Depression.

In addition, the chance of being called back for an interview is decreased by 50% for white applicants and 72% for African American applicants.

It is a known fact that finding employment can be taxing, especially for people who were formerly incarcerated. This article provides former felons with tips to help them find employment and lists the jobs they could qualify for.

Everyone deserves a second chance and finding employment can be challenging for former felons. However, it is essential to allow all people to reform themselves as better people and citizens of the community.

In line with Horizon Goodwill and Goodwill Industries’ mission of removing barriers and creating employment opportunities, may this article serve as your inspiration and guidance.

The organization hopes that people dealing with homelessness can find shelter and that the unemployed, including ex-offenders, can successfully re-enter the workforce.

You may have an inmate friend or family who is up for parole. Parole boards may consider letters of support from family and friends as evidence that the prisoner should be granted parole. If you want to see sample letters of support for inmates, read more here.

Tips for People With Criminal Records to Find Employment

The Clean Slate Initiative reports that nine out of ten employers conduct background checks on prospective employees.

The Clean Slate is a bipartisan policy that aims to help people with criminal records get jobs by updating and expanding the process by which people can clear their records if they stay crime-free. Bipartisan public policies look for solutions to problems by bringing together the best ideas for both parties.

Here are some strategies you can apply when looking for a job:

Have your criminal records deleted if possible. You may be able to get your record erased like it never happened, depending on your charges and the state in which you were convicted.
Prepare appropriately for your interview. Preparing for your interview is essential because your preparation can show your determination to get the job.

You can think about the questions you might be asked during the interview and how you would answer them. Writing out your answers can help you clarify your thoughts.

Ask for letters of recommendation from your previous employers. Reach out to people in positions who can attest to your skills and character.
Ensure your resume is updated and highlights the skills you have acquired. When you apply for a job, tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experience relevant to the position. Create a clean, structured format so that it is easy to read.
Use the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit offers businesses a tax credit for hiring individuals who have faced barriers to employment.

Employers may be eligible for a tax credit if they hire an individual who is WOTC targeted group.

Find training opportunities with recruitment companies. Ex-offenders often encounter difficulties when looking for educational opportunities to find a job, but don’t lose hope. Many options are available if you are dedicated to finding the right program.

Be truthful about your past. One thing you must never do is lie about your past or criminal record.

When you apply for a job, your employers may ask about your references, including your parole or probation officers. It is best to let them know from the start to avoid problems in the future.

Search for employers who are willing to hire people with criminal records. Seek out companies and jobs with second chances or are open for hire.
Find something positive to talk about. If you have a criminal record, the interviewer will likely ask about your past offenses.

Before the interview, think of ways to talk about what you have learned and how it will benefit your future employer.

Don’t give up, and persevere in starting over. If you find yourself unemployed, ensuring your resume shows employers you have the skills needed for a new position is crucial.

If you’re willing to go above and beyond for your employer, it can be a good way to show that commitment.

What Jobs Are Available to Ex-convicts?

Although finding employment as an ex-convict is hard, employment for felons is often found in construction, food service, and rehabilitation counseling. Following the tips above, a little determination and the right attitude can help you find a well-paying job.

With that said, here are some available jobs for ex-felons. These jobs pay well, too, which is a plus when you’re trying to rebuild your new life after your release from prison.

Network support administrator: Network support specialists are often the first people contacted when a computer malfunctions. They also install computer software and troubleshoot various types of networks if they are down. The hourly pay is around $25 to $45 an hour.
Wielding: Many convicted felons have found welding rewarding. The average welder earns around $41,380 annually, but you could make less if you have little experience.
Computer programmer: These programmers write the code that makes new software possible. They also test and correct the code to ensure the software works as intended. The hourly pay for a computer programmer is around $35 to $60 an hour.
Carpenter: Felons wishing to find a well-paying job often choose carpentry. The median annual salary for this career is $46,509, and the job outlook is average. You can choose this career path if you want a career that offers stability and advancement opportunities.
Truck driver: The rise in online shopping has created a growing demand for truck drivers.

Commercial truck driving is often stressful, contributing to the high turnover rate. But the turnover rate is good for you because there are always opportunities to get behind the wheel. The average annual wage is $43,690.

Most employers will hesitate to interview or hire former felons, but they still have a chance. An excellent resume and cover letter are still vital to creating an image of professionalism and trustworthiness.

Make an effort to make and prepare for a job interview by researching the company beforehand and coming up with the questions you can ask in the interview.

*Lucille Adams is a researcher and writer in the area of personal and business financial management. Her core focus is covering sound, conservative cash flow and investing strategies that unlock long-term value for small business owners, entrepreneurs, families, and retirees.

Roy is Breaking the Cycle

February 10, 2023

Roy Swim has taken a big step toward breaking the vicious cycle of homelessness.

by Christopher Six, Media Marketing Assistant

For Roy, panhandling had become easier than finding work. It became a routine. Apply for jobs, then hit the streets to make some money to survive. And then, the next day, do it all over again.

“It became a vicious cycle.”

Roy had dealt with homelessness and unemployment in Asheville and later in Hagerstown.

“A lot of it was due to my addiction,” says Roy, adding he battled addiction for about 20 years. “It’s a long time. A long, long time.”

Roy’s journey took a turn when his family relocated. He said the new school district felt that, at 17, he was too old for ninth grade.

“I was actually kicked out of high school. I was 17. I was still a freshman when my parents relocated. My dad was the one that really relocated. Then the school that he took me to said a 17-year-old has no business being in ninth grade,” he explains. “They wanted me to try night classes or alternative schooling because I would have been 21 before graduating. And after that, I just went to work and got my first job at McDonald’s. Then Taco Bell, and it just progressed from there. I’ve done a lot of cooking throughout my life.”

“I went through some things down there and some homelessness. Almost got to the point where it became chronic.”

Roy has three children. It was his son that brought him to Hagerstown.

“He was 14 then, and I wasn’t in his life. I decided that I wanted to get into his life. So I packed up, hit the Greyhound, and came up here,” he explained. “It was a quick relationship. I probably shouldn’t even have had him, but it is what it is.”

In Roy’s words, his son was “a little guarded.” The boy’s mother helped Roy get a job at McDonald’s, where he stayed for a few years, but he found advancement difficult, which he believes was because he was considered family and there was a fear of favoritism. So, he moved on.

Roy stayed “all over the place” — people’s basements, people’s couches.

“Some nights, I was on the streets. Everything got worse once I quit working. And then I found this little thing called panhandling,” he said. “I went up to Dual Highway and put up a sign one day, and I made $300, and I was like, wow, people really, really helped me out. And I used that to get me into hotels, and buy dinner and do everything else.”

It was a lot easier than the alternative.

“Finding a job is a full-time job, without a doubt. We would go to the library, put one or two applications in every morning, and then we go and try to make our money for the day,” he explains.

“If somebody came to us with five bucks, we accepted it. If they came to us with lunch meat, sandwiches, you’d see many churches do that,” he added. “Many people go up to Sheetz and get you an MTO soda and sandwich. Bag of chips. By the end of the day, we had groceries, money, and pretty much everything we needed to make it. Some people would bring us blankets and sheets, and pillows. A guy brought me shoes because I had holes in my shoes…”

It became routine. Apply for jobs, and hit the streets to make some money to survive. And then, the next day, do it all over again.

“Thank God — I forget how — Homeless Outreach came up to us and told us about the program,” he said.

The Homeless Outreach program is a community initiative called; Change the Way You Give. It provides an opportunity to help individuals suffering from homelessness through financial support from community agencies rather than encouraging panhandling. If you would like to give to the program, click here.

“And that’s exactly what happened. ” Roy says they did exactly that and everything they said they would do,” Roy says. “It was Goodwill; it was Reach, it was Turning Point; it was a wholly collaborative effort by everybody.”

Roy had befriended Kara Armstrong on the streets, and together, they came to Horizon Goodwill. Kara won the Bennett S. Rubin Graduate of the Year award. It was presented to her at the 2022 Power of Work Awards Event. Watch her story here. https://youtu.be/5JsvWnKjEt0

Roy met Wes McCulley, then an Associate Director of Workforce Development, who introduced him to Sherry Lescalleet, the regional custodial manager, who offered him a job.

And soon, they had a lead on a place to live.

“A supervisor that worked here at the time said, ‘Hey, my landlords have an opening in the building, why don’t you guys save up some money, and I’ll take you up and introduce you,” he explains. “We talked about it and spent $300 a week in a hotel room. And so we started saving as much money as possible.”

They met with the landlord. The place was a couple of weeks away from being ready, giving them more time to build their money. “We gave him what we had to hold the apartment, and we just started saving, saving, saving — working.”

Roy has now been with HGI for about 18 months. He has a home. He has a job. And he has been clean for almost two years.

“It’s hard to be homeless, and the drugs at that point were really to cope. It sucks to have no place to go. Nobody to go to. We literally had nobody,” he recalls. “We would panhandle until we made our money for our room, and that was upwards of, like, $80 a day, some days: some days, $100. So between the two of us, it was exhausting to be out there panhandling all the time. Not fun. Not fun at all.”

To others who may be facing similar struggles, Roy offers some simple advice.

“Get out. If you need it, there are people out there that will help you.”

Partnership creates pathway to life-changing career opportunities

October 7, 2022

Partnership creates pathway to life-changing career opportunities

Innovative pilot program provides job opportunities at Meritus Health

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – For people trying to change their quality of life, sometimes a pathway needs to be found. Meritus Health, Horizon Goodwill Industries, and Maryland Physicians Care have created that pathway to connect people with opportunities.

A team consisting of members representing Meritus Health, Horizon Goodwill Industries, and Maryland Physicians Care have crafted an innovative pilot program, Pathway to Healthcare, to path low/moderate income candidates directly into living wage positions in one of five identified divisions at Meritus. “We are honored to play a connecting role in this program to help support county residents and businesses,” said David Shuster, Ed.D., president and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries. “Through this program, we are able to directly improve the lives of the participants and strengthen the health system that serves the community. We see this as a very valuable initiative and are thrilled to be the lead sponsor,” said Jason Rottman, CEO of Maryland Physicians Care.

The concept is simple: Employment is offered in one of the numerous areas at Meritus Health. Maryland Physicians Care provides the administrative staff for program design and deployment. Training and development are provided by Horizon Goodwill Industries through the ‘Get Onboard!’ soft skills academy. Additionally, Maryland Physicians Care will cover program costs, including the candidates’ pre-employment training expenses, uniforms, and a potential bonus upon completion of the probationary period. “In fulfillment of our mission, Maryland Physicians Care is looking at factors beyond clinical care that affect our member’s health outcomes, and improving income stability is foundational to ensuring individuals have the resources and means to live healthy lives,” said Lorena de Leon, D.P.A., Sr. Director of Population Health, Maryland Physicians Care.

Once employment is underway, a probationary period begins. After six months of employment, Meritus Health reviews the employee’s performance and will offer support in furthering education and training in healthcare-specific roles. “Our health system and many industries need good, committed, and loyal workers. We are looking to the strengths that already exist within our own community and connecting them with the skills and training to develop them,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Meritus Health.

“In the current labor market, it is vital that we have community partners who are willing to take bold new approaches to recruit and retain employees. Creating training pathways that lead to living-wage employment opportunities for “hidden workers” is a win-win,” said Brooke Grossman, Horizon Goodwill Industries, chief mission officer.

The pilot has already taken off.

Hires have already been made following a job fair in September at Horizon Goodwill’s Human Services Building on North Prospect Street in downtown Hagerstown.

“This is just the beginning. Joshi said. “It’s not just a pathway to a job, this partnership provides an opportunity for a better life. And as the employer, it’s a great way to have a workforce representing our local community.”

Filed Under: News

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About Horizon Goodwill: Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) is a future-focused nonprofit workforce development organization headquartered in Hagerstown, MD with responsibility for serving communities in 17 counties across MD, PA, WV, and VA. Operating numerous social enterprises and human services programs, HGI helps thousands of individuals each year pursue economic mobility through its mission of removing barriers and creating opportunities for meaningful and sustainable employment. Through this work, Goodwill is committed to advancing equitable opportunities for employment and environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Learn more at www.horizongoodwill.org. For media inquiries, contact Craig Foster, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at 301-733-7330 x1630 or cfoster@goodwill-hgi.org

Timothy is Not Accepting Failure

October 7, 2022

by Christopher Six, Media Marketing Assistant

When Timothy Day was released from federal incarceration for good behavior 61 months into a 77-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, he knew a return to Atlanta would not be in his best interest. So after six months of home confinement, he set the process in motion to return to the place where it all started 30-plus years ago — Cumberland, Maryland.

“I didn’t want to go back to Atlanta because the reputation I had for the stuff that I did was never going to leave me alone. I wanted to come back to a place where I knew that I could function on the money resources that I had available to me without any strain on me. So, I came to Cumberland, Maryland,” he said.

Timothy had left Cumberland in the mid-1970s. His journey to come full circle was one of many miles and trials.

“I’m not going to lie to you; it had to do with drugs and drug use,” Timothy says when discussing the reputation he wanted to escape.

“It was a lifestyle. It wasn’t so much the drugs; it was all the bells and whistles that came with it,” he added. “I had been on drugs since I was a young boy. It started when I was six years old smoking weed, and when I hit 28, it just took a whole different turn.”

That was after several stops and starts, including attending a trade school for automotive before dropping out in the last semester. He had found himself in Atlanta, trying to support a young family.

“It started where I was self-employed, and cocaine and methamphetamines were helping me accomplish that work I needed to take care of my house and my family, but after two years of constantly working 16 hours a day, seven days a week, I had two nervous breakdowns,” he explains. “I’d go back and start building my life back again, and before long, I’d be right back on drugs because of the pressure and the stress.”

As time passed, he bounced between North Carolina and Georgia. Then came the federal charges. Upon his release, he knew he had to make a change.

“I needed some kind of foundation, so I got on the computer and pulled up the Maryland reentry guide, and they gave me information on Goodwill and a few other places, and I chose to contact Goodwill,” he added. “After I contacted Goodwill … every barricade I hit, or thing I had to maneuver around, Horizon Goodwill was there to help me and make sure that I was staying focused on what I was trying to accomplish and give me the resources to reach out to, like DORS (Division of Rehabilitation Services).”

Timothy began services with HGI in December of 2021, enrolling in both employment services and housing navigation programs. Working with Housing Navigator Andi Welch, in June of this year he secured income-based housing, left the Union Rescue Mission, and is now living in his own apartment in Cumberland.

“So, I landed right back in the same spot as I stood 35 years ago, but everything is due to a purpose. I just keep myself going knowing that this is something that I’m doing now that I’ve been trying to do for the past 20 years, but every time I tried to get my certification or go to school to become what I’m becoming, I got involved with drugs,” he said. “Anytime a situation came up with judgment involved, I’d resort back to you to drugs, but this time it’s different because I like the path that I’m on, and I’m enjoying every step that I’ve taken.”

Timothy also entered into the Temp Labor/Paid Training Program in June and began working at the Warehouse in Cumberland, where he quickly excelled in the position.

“They helped me establish my housing, they helped me establish work — I worked for Horizon in a temporary position. It felt good because it was the first time I worked in a long time, and I made sure I was a very dedicated worker,” he said. “So, it’s been very beneficial for me because it opened a lot of doors and stood beside me with my guidance and sometimes listened to me moan and groan about things, but they wanted to hear it. They were very interested in what I had to say. They’ve always been there for me, even still today. I can contact them if I’m dealing with something, and they’ll come to talk to me and help me get through it or maybe even come up with resources that are available in my community to help me maneuver through.”

Warehouse Manager Melissa Harris praised that dedication, highlighting that he picked up very quickly on all his assigned work duties and was able to work independently and at a very fast pace. She particularly noted his dependability and work ethic.

Timothy has also been successful in his recovery program with the Allegany County Health Department and has a passion for helping others. He enrolled in the Human Services Program at Allegany College of Maryland and left his paid training position at the warehouse in August to participate in the program full-time for the fall semester. He is also now an employee at the college.

Timothy says he has no real regrets about the journey that brought him here because it made him who he is today and gave him the knowledge and experience to help others, which is his goal after completing his studies.

“No matter where you started, you end up in the same place that I ended up in, and if I can help people from getting to there by what I can say about it…” he said. “I don’t want somebody to be 55 years old and go through all the stuff that I went through. If I get someone in their 20s and get them to understand that they don’t have to waste away parts of their life, thinking that it’s okay, and they got control of it… because sooner or later, you don’t have control over it because it takes control you. ”

Timothy wishes he could have taken this initiative 30 years ago but says he feels blessed to be alive to do the things he is doing now. A father of four with three grandchildren, he is even more thankful they get to see him setting out on this new part of his life’s journey and to have their support along the way.

“I haven’t been a man on a mission for a long time… you can’t stop a man on a mission. I’m definitely going to succeed because I’m not accepting failure, “ he said. “The journey that I’m supposed to be on… the destination has not been met. And I do believe that the journey that I’m on now is the journey that I’m supposed to have been on in the eyes of the Lord. So, therefore, here I go.”