Homes of Hope celebrates the 346th and 347th graduates of its Men’s Workforce Development program
June 26, 2026
Homes of Hope celebrated another milestone in its mission to create economic mobility and generational change across South Carolina as two men graduated from the organization’s Men’s Workforce Development (MWD) program on Thursday, June 25.
Surrounded by family members, employers, staff, alumni, and community supporters, Lucas Darling and Cody Frey became the 346th and 347th graduates of the program during a ceremony attended by almost 90 guests, one of the largest graduation celebrations in recent years.
The Men’s Workforce Development program provides men overcoming drug and alcohol addiction with comprehensive workforce training, life skills development, and long-term support as they rebuild their lives. Through construction training, nationally recognized certifications, financial education, accountability, and mentorship, graduates leave the program equipped with the tools needed to achieve lasting stability and independence.
Both graduates have already secured meaningful employment, taking the next step toward long-term economic mobility. Lucas Darling has accepted a position with Posh Customs, while Cody Frey is now employed with Bachner Electro.
“Every graduation represents more than two individuals completing a program,” said Lloyd Jackson, Men’s Workforce Development Project Foreman and a graduate of the program himself. “It represents families being restored, employers gaining dedicated workers, and our community becoming stronger. Watching Lucas and Cody reach this milestone has been incredibly rewarding because I’ve walked this same path. I know firsthand what this opportunity can mean for a person’s future.”
As South Carolina continues to experience workforce shortages across the skilled trades, Homes of Hope’s Men’s Workforce Development program helps meet a critical community need by preparing reliable, skilled employees for local businesses while creating pathways out of addiction, homelessness, and poverty.
The impact extends well beyond employment. Graduates build the foundation for financial stability, healthy relationships, and generational change that can positively influence their families and future generations.
“Our mission is to open doors to economic mobility through housing, economic, and workforce development,” said Dr. Keona Prude, Grants and Communications Manager at Homes of Hope. “Lucas and Cody’s stories demonstrate what’s possible when individuals are given the opportunity, support, and training to succeed. Their success strengthens our workforce, benefits local employers, and creates ripple effects that will impact families and communities for years to come.”
Since its founding, Homes of Hope’s Men’s Workforce Development program has graduated 347 men, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to build sustainable careers and brighter futures while contributing to the economic vitality of the Upstate.
Homes of Hope will continue this momentum on Thursday, July 30, when the organization celebrates the graduation of its 348th Men’s Workforce Development program graduate, further advancing its mission of creating economic mobility and generational change throughout South Carolina.
About Homes of Hope
Homes of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Greenville, SC, dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions and economic mobility opportunities to individuals and families in need. Since its founding in 1998, Homes of Hope has built 746 homes and graduated 347 men from the Men’s Workforce Development program, offering hope and a brighter future to the Greenville community. To learn more, please visit us at www.homesofhope.org.
