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Success Stories
Although Comanche Fairbanks graduated from Twin Cities RISE! with a full-time job, he could still be found in the TCR! offices on a daily basis years later. That's because Comanche worked full time at TCR! for more than 2 years, recruiting people with stories like his own to the program.
Before coming to TCR!, Comanche was an alcoholic with little drive to succeed. "I didn't really care what I was doing. I had no motivation. The whole time, I didn't like where I was at but I didn't try to get out of it."
He never graduated from high school. He got his GED and took classes at community and technical colleges, but never received a degree. "My work history was pretty sketchy and I didn't know what I could do," he said.
Comanche's goal was simply to find a job where he didn't have to interact with many people. His shy nature meant he preferred to stay in the background at work. But with a history of performing and singing, his employment coach saw promise in Comanche for other jobs. "Being able to perform, be a team worker, be a leader—all these skills I had. And it just started clicking. I can do this," he said.
Comanche is now Lead Youth Entrepreneurship Specialist at Migizi Communications. "I have to relate to everybody. I give my story about how I was in the same position that a majority of them are in."
With a wife and seven kids at home, Comanche has a full plate outside of work as well. Personal Empowerment was key to improving his family dynamics. "The change in home life is huge," Comanche said. "I can pass along these tools I have to my kids so they can educate themselves better and not get in trouble."
Comanche has been nominated for leadership roles in his tribal community, and hopes to teach others how to live Empowered lives. "I've gone from an alcoholic to a role model in my community," he said.
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