Meet Us Monday: Jonathan, Presenting Sponsor of Portraits of Hope

Jonathan’s connection with REAL LIFE began with Jobs for Life, a biblically-based jobs program that he provided to people in incarceration and at our REAL Houses. His support of REAL LIFE has continued over the years, including joining us as the Presenting Sponsor for our upcoming Portraits of Hope Gala!

When asked why he chooses to support REAL LIFE, he drew a surprising comparison. “We provide arch supports that provide structural alignment of the body,” He explains. “We are addressing the CAUSE for many of the problems that people have, as opposed to other products on the market that only address symptoms, but don’t really address the main issue.” He explains that REAL LIFE provides the same service, but for their life instead of their feet. He says, “when you think about the acronym for REAL (Recovery from Everyday Addictive Lifestyles), what I love about it is it is addressing the underlying cause of the problem, the main issues that precede incarceration and addiction.”

Jonathan has also seen how REAL LIFE’s programming can help a person become a productive and loyal employee. He hired a Lifer named Brittany onto his team and for the past 3 years, she has excelled. He feels it is important for companies to not only to volunteer and donate, but also be open to hiring Lifers as employees.

For Jonathan, volunteering with and supporting REAL LIFE isn’t just a box to check off, it’s a way of life. “Having the perspective that this isn’t just our ‘good deed for the day’ these are God’s children that we can engage with and find out ways to help.”

Jonathan, thank you for all that you do to support REAL LIFE!