Prosperity sprouts when well-meaning ambition seeks resources. John Mott’s story is a shining example of this reality.
Before reaching out to LSS in 2019, John was a sales consultant with AT&T. He also ran a consulting firm as a small business owner and is a self-published author.
Although John had been content in his sales position, he wanted a change in circumstances and had the courage to push towards a new path. The first stepping stone was laid by a former coworker of John, who recommended Lutheran Social Services’ Financial Opportunity Center (FOC)® Steps 2 Success to him. Having been helped by community resources in the past, he was open to revisiting assistance available in the community.
The goal of an FOC® center is to equip individuals with the tools to improve their economic circumstances through financial, career, and income support coaching at no cost. The Steps 2 Success (S2S) program takes a holistic approach to FOC® centers and combines financial, career, and income support coaching to promote financial wellness simultaneously. S2S coaches work one-on-one with program participants to meet them where they are in their economic situation to help them reach individualized goals, whether to change career paths or reduce debt. In addition, coaches connect qualifying individuals with public resources/assistance, such as SNAP/EBT.
Ambition and a desire for improvement brought him to the first informational meeting at S2S. His willingness to complete the path toward a horizon-bound sunrise kept him disciplined in the programs ahead despite the challenges.
Many obstacles, including medical complications, obstructed the way forward, but John decided to pursue the opportunities anyway.
Taking full advantage of his available resources, John improved his credit score and began a match savings program. After nine months, he stayed diligent and completed the S2S Match Savings Program. This initiative provides a structured savings plan to community members. Participants are required to save at least $56 a month for nine months. Once successfully completed, the participant will be rewarded with a match of $500 at the end of the ninth month to help pay off a debt.
While in the Steps 2 Success program, John saw a job posting for a City of Jacksonville corrections officer on social media. Initially, he thought he would not be fit for the position due to medical complications, but he found encouragement from others.
With the help of his pastor, a retired JSO officer, John pursued the open JSO position. In early January 2025, he completed his training and passed the state exam to become a certified correction recruit officer for JSO. John looks forward to giving back and serving the community in his new role. In the future, he plans to work towards homeownership.
John is an inspiration to the Jacksonville community and a prime example of what can result when determination and ambition meet community support programs.
The LSS Steps 2 Success Program, Jacksonville's first FOC®, was launched in 2018 and is located in the New Town Success Zone. Participants in the program saw an average monthly income increase of $1,147 and a credit score increase of 56 points. If you want to start down a similar path as John, please contact LSS to learn more about or sign up for our S2S program.
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