Work as a Pathway to Confidence

Fresh Starts Power Pantry

Before a community member chooses fresh produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples in the Choice Food Distribution program, an entire team has helped the details fall into place. Trucks arrive, pallets are unloaded, boxes are sorted, shelves are stocked, and volunteers prepare to assist shoppers.

Less than a year after graduating from the Fresh Start nine-month personalized job training program, Aaron Pickett, facilities specialist, helps coordinate these warehouse movements. With the collaboration of Jimmy King, food distribution director, the duo directs logistics around receiving and distributing 3 million pounds of food each year.

“It takes a lot of coordinating and planning ahead,” said Chief Operating Officer, Amy Holmes. “In order to obtain enough food to serve all of our community members, we need to procure our food from multiple sources.”

For Pickett, the work represents “being part of something bigger than myself.” He explains that “in the past, I spent time taking from people. This work gives me a chance to give back tenfold.”

A Fresh Start and a New Role

After Pickett joined the Fresh Start in 2025, he progressed through the 3 phases of the program to build skills and habits to help participants succeed in the workplace and life. While working in the food pantry for part of the day, participants take part in a budgeting course, digital literacy course, a computer literacy course, resume building and mock interviews, one-on-one coaching, and group therapy. The group’s daily morning meeting emphasizes core values of communication, compassion, accountability and excellence. Rather than learn these skills in a lecture, participants work together every day in the pantry.

“Program participants start working at a job, with real responsibilities, the moment they begin Fresh Start,” explained Rayna Pollock, Fresh Start director. “We are not just teaching abstract concepts in a classroom setting; we are coaching, in real time, about workplace and soft skills.”

Having to be on time at the Heart every day, got Pickett back into the swing of work. “It kept me on a schedule instead of doing what I want, when I want,” said Pickett. “It gave me the structure that is necessary for life.”

He also gained confidence in his ability to communicate and contribute. Pickett described himself as an introvert when he entered Fresh Start. Through daily interaction with community members, volunteers, fellow Fresh Starts and staff, he emerged with skills to speak up, engage with others and carry himself professionally.