Member Stories: Edwin Builds His Future Through The Door
When Edwin came to The Door, he was looking for a way to move forward. He wanted an opportunity that matched the way he learns best and supported him in building a stable future. “I’m more of a visual learner,” he says. “I wanted something in person where I could really understand what I was doing.” He knew he was ready to grow, but he needed the right path to get there. That’s when he found The Door’s Advance and Earn Plus: Solar One Program located at our Bronx Youth Center.
Edwin was drawn to the program's hands-on nature and the opportunity to explore his interests in construction and electrical work. He gained training in workplace safety, electrical systems, and solar energy. He also earned certifications, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advanced safety training, which will help open doors as he continues building his future.
For Edwin, the experience was about more than learning technical skills. It gave him structure, motivation, and a clearer sense of direction. “The best part was getting clarity and staying on track,” he shares. “It helped me keep moving forward.” While balancing new information and responsibilities was challenging at times, Edwin stayed committed and continued pushing himself forward with support from staff along the way.
Just as meaningful to Edwin was the sense of community he found at The Door. “The Door’s community is great and very supportive,” he says. He knows firsthand how much that support can matter, from practical resources to encouragement along the way. His message to other young people is simple: “They’re going to help with everything you need. I highly recommend The Door.”
Today, Edwin is in the internship phase of the program, applying what he has learned in real-world settings while continuing to grow professionally. Outside of the program, he also works at Burke and Burke Construction, balances school and work, and spends his weekends playing basketball. In the next few years, he hopes to step into a leadership role as a company manager or even start his own plumbing business.
Edwin’s journey reflects what can happen when determination meets opportunity. Through The Door's Bronx Youth Center, he found a path that matched his strengths, helped him grow, and brought him closer to the thriving future he’s working toward. His advice to other young people? “You miss 100 of the shots you don’t take.”