Ladders Program Testimonial: Joshua Miller
By: Eric Lee
ATLANTA – Joshua Miller's transformative journey through the Georgia Public Defense Foundation’s Ladders Program, for young people from 16-24 facing challenges related to their involvement with the criminal justice system, proves the effectiveness of targeted support and skill development.
When Joshua joined the program, he was filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension - uncertain of what lay ahead.
But before long he learned how the Ladders Program could be a turning point in his life by providing the essential tools, skills, and support needed to turn his aspirations into reality.
The program’s affiliation with the Technical College System of Georgia allowed Joshua to attend Atlanta Technical College, where he studied computer concepts, hardware installation, and maintenance. The Ladders soft skills workshops also proved valuable, as Joshua successfully applied these skills in real-world situations.
As Joshua progressed through the 12-month program, he both enhanced his technical expertise and grew personally, eventually becoming a mentor to new Ladders participants. Joshua says being a Ladders mentor has improved his self-esteem and sense of purpose by allowing him to give back to the initiative that helped shaped his career path.
Today, Joshua is a supervisor at Grady Hospital. His success is a testament to his hard work and the opportunities provided by the Ladders Program to which he attributes much of his success.
Joshua's journey from uncertain beginner to successful professional is an inspiration to Ladders students, staff, and faculty and illustrates the life-changing impact of the Ladders Program.
The Georgia Public Defender Council
The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is an independent state agency within the Executive Branch of the State of Georgia responsible for representing approximately 85 percent of all criminally accused persons. GPDC public defenders work tirelessly to provide zealous, effective, and timely legal counsel to all in the care of GPDC. More at https://www.gapubdef.org.
The Georgia Public Defense Foundation
The Georgia Public Defense Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that supports the efforts of Public Defenders across the state. It provides comprehensive social services and development programs to assist defendants exiting the justice system. Learn more about the Georgia Public Defense Foundation at https://www.gapdf.org/.