WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Hope Streets
Hope Streets is a transformative program that offers job opportunities, fosters environmental stewardship, and restores communities. It gives Rogue Retreat participants the opportunity to gain valuable job experience, develop skills, and earn a living while restoring our streets and greenways. Hire Hope Streets today!
Hope Streets offers the following services:
- Garbage removal
- Leaf removal
- Power washing
- Fire fuel reduction
- Basic landscaping
- Snow removal
For more information or to partner with Hope Streets, please contact Jason Donovan:
TRAINEE SUCCESS STORY
Meet Jacob
Jacob Sexton is a current guest at the Crossings and a dedicated member of Rogue Retreat’s Hope Streets crew. Jacob’s story is one of resilience, second chances, and a new beginning.
Originally from Texas, Jacob met his foster parents after his mom passed away from her own addiction when he was just 13. They became a source of love, stability, and encouragement that continues to this day. “I wouldn’t be here without them,” Jacob says. “They’ve stood by me through everything.”
Still, Jacob struggled with addiction and trouble with the law. “When I was 19, my foster parents dropped me off at the mission after I caught my first felony,” he recalls. “I was homeless at first, and for years my main focus was just getting loaded.”
Everything began to change the night he entered treatment. “That first night of treatment got the ball rolling,” Jacob says. “Now I’m really getting my life back. It’s crazy. I’m just now growing up.”
"Now I’m really getting my life back. It’s crazy. I’m just now growing up."
Today, Jacob is 102 days sober and thriving at Hope Streets. The program has given him structure, responsibility, and pride in his work. “This is probably the first time I’ve ever put this much effort into my work,” he shares. Alongside the work experience, Jacob has built meaningful relationships, including what he calls his first true best friend at a job.
Jacob also credits Rogue Retreat as a steadying force in his journey. “It’s a hand up, not a handout,” he describes. His case manager and mentor at Rogue Retreat echoes that growth: “It was a long, hard road at first, but now Jacob’s engaged in multiple services, building stability, and starting to plan for his future. He’s killing it.”
Jacob is also a proud dog dad to Nala, who has been a steady companion through his journey. She’s not only his pet but also a source of comfort and motivation as he continues to move forward.
Looking ahead, Jacob has big dreams. He hopes to become an electrician, build financial stability, and create a new foundation for his life. He also knows recovery isn’t a straight line. “Relapse happens,” Jacob says. “It’s important to not beat yourself up about it. You just gotta start back up where you left off and keep pushing forward.”
Now a full-time staff member working with the Rogue Retreat maintenance team, Jacob has found a new purpose for each and every day.