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Polk had always been interested in the art of cutting hair, but a felony conviction in the early 1990s limited his options and for nearly two decades he worked for various companies as a forklift operator. When he was laid off in 2008, his wife suggested that he visit Safer to receive help when looking for a new job.

“I came in here and sat down in that Resource Room everyday,” Polk said. “I sat in there all day and just kept putting out applications.”

While he was looking for jobs along the lines of the warehousing work that he’s done in the past, Polk decided it was time to seek out other possibilities. When he heard that Safer’s Workplace Investment Act (WIA) program could help him go to school to become a barber, the choice became obvious.

“When I heard that they would help pay for me to go to school, I was on it,” he said. “Who wouldn’t take that opportunity?”

But it wasn’t going to be easy. Since he had no experience as a barber, he had to prove to Safer Client Services Coordinator Regina Murphy that he was a good investment.

“Initially I had to deny him because he had no previous experience,” Murphy said. “I told him that I wanted to see him get a job first and then keep it. He went and got himself a job at the Tribune Company and after 90 days I enrolled him. Ever since he’s been going to school in the evenings so he could continue to work.”

Polk’s determination came as no surprise to his Retention Specialist, Darnell Jackson, who had noticed Polk’s initiative and was confident he’d be a good WIA candidate.

“He really utilized the Resource Room well,” Jackson said. “Although he had limited computer skills, he would spend hours in there working on his resume. He shows he’s committed to accomplishing his goals and he’s extremely professional and friendly to Safer staff.”

Polk is on pace to finish his 1,500 hours for barber school by the end of this year; ahead of schedule. When he completes his program, he wants to move to Atlanta, but before he leaves Chicago, he intends to show his thanks to Safer for all the help they’ve given him.

“I want to give back to Safer somehow,” he said. “Maybe I could offer free haircuts to clients when they get ready for job interviews. Safer provided all the resources that I needed to get a job and they put me through school. I tell everybody I know to come down to Safer and that if they are patient and stick with the program, they’ll get a job.”

-- David Dexter

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