Mr. Darwin Norwood has come through the “back door” of MCC since the
court’s inception on non-theft, quality of life offenses. With no source of
income and little hope, Mr. Norwood found himself opening the car doors at Port
Authority for an extra buck. Through the years, MCC staff “planted seeds” in
Mr. Norwood’s mind to strongly consider our on-site Times Square Ink job
training program.
The computer exercises and interviewing practice didn’t come easy to
Mr. Norwood, but he worked to his highest potential and his determination paid
off. He completed TSI in late November and two weeks later TSI placed him in a
sanitation job with Times Square Alliance! This same man who just 6 months ago
was breaking the law in our neighborhood, is now helping the neighborhood and
helping himself! Mr. Norwood’s story is a true MCC success. It took everyone
from the Court Officers, to Judge, to Resource Coordinator, Alternative
Sanctions staff, Social Workers, and lastly TSI staff, to help him evolve into
a law abiding, working NYC resident!
Finally, something clicked for Mr. Norwood the last time he appeared
in Court before Judge Weinberg. After completing the one day Project Earn court
mandate, Mr. Norwood decided to voluntarily enroll in Times Square Ink. As one
of the only voluntary participants in TSI, Mr. Norwood was always the first one
here and the last one to leave. He devoted every ounce of energy, poise and
drive to take advantage of this worthwhile program that he had contemplated
doing for some time.
