Help People Like Earnest Transform Their Lives Through Employment – Donate to St. Joseph the Worker

From 4 a.m. Uncertainty to a Career He Loves: Earnest’s Journey

When Earnest Brown moved from Hawaii to Arizona, he was eager for a fresh start — but stability was hard to find. He picked up day labor jobs that started as early as 4 a.m., never knowing if work would even be available. “It was hit or miss,” he recalls. “Some days, you’d show up and there was nothing.”

One of his first steady jobs was in security, a role he went on to work in for the next 30 years. Along the way, he honed his communication and customer service skills — but deep down, Earnest knew he was ready for a change.

How St. Joseph the Worker Helps Arizonans Find Stable Jobs

That’s when Earnest found St. Joseph the Worker. From the moment he walked through our doors, he was met with kindness, encouragement, and support. “You just have to put a little bit of energy into it,” he says, “and they’ll do the rest for you.”

With our team by his side, Earnest transformed his decades of experience into a new opportunity — one that matched his skills and his passion. Today, he’s proudly serving as a Downtown Phoenix Ambassador, welcoming visitors, offering insider tips, and helping them navigate the heart of our city — a job he describes simply as “what I like to do.”

Partnering with Downtown Phoenix Inc. to Create Pathways to Employment

Earnest’s success story was made possible in part by one of The Worker’s preferred employer partners: Downtown Phoenix, Inc. Our partnership with Downtown Phoenix Inc. goes beyond job placements — it’s about creating real pathways to stable, fulfilling careers. Together, we connect skilled and motivated individuals with opportunities to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our city’s core.

For clients like Earnest, that partnership turned potential into purpose. After decades in security, he found a career that not only leverages his customer service expertise but also brings him joy and pride every day. And for Downtown Phoenix Inc., the collaboration means a stronger workforce and a thriving community.

Your Donation Creates Job Opportunities and Hope

Stories like Earnest’s — and partnerships like ours with Downtown Phoenix — are only possible because of people like you. Your generosity fuels the job coaching, resume support, interview preparation, and employer connections that transform uncertainty into opportunity for thousands of Arizonans each year.