Laying a New Foundation: A Story of Redemption and Opportunity
Urban Construction Jobs Program
Antonio, a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh’s Hill District, completed the Apprenticeship Readiness Program on March 7, 2025—a milestone marking a powerful personal transformation. His journey has been far from easy: Antonio spent much of his teenage years in and out of juvenile detention facilities, and at age 21, he was sentenced to federal prison, where he served 24 years.
Antonio returned home in October 2024, just one week after the passing of his mother. Alongside his grief, he faced the daunting task of reintegrating into a world that had drastically changed during his incarceration. “Technology was one of the biggest challenges,” Antonio shared, noting that even smartphones didn’t exist when he entered prison. He described prison life as a place devoid of hope and formal rehabilitation, where survival was the daily focus rather than long-term goals or emotional wellness.
ResultAntonio’s path took a positive turn when a friend—also formerly incarcerated—introduced him to the Urban League’s Introduction to Construction program. Witnessing his friend’s success in the construction field, Antonio was inspired to enroll. He completed the training and, as of March 2025, was accepted into the Laborers’ Union.
Reflecting on his experience, Antonio said he feels a responsibility to share his story. “I want to deter young people from making the same mistakes I made.