A Second Chance Provides Life Path to Giving Back to Others
Celebrating success stories within the Pioneer community is always a source of inspiration, and Joseph Nagel's journey stands out as a testament to resilience and growth. Joseph, the director of Service Enriched Housing in the western part of Washington, has been an integral part of the Pioneer family since 2007.
Joseph’s narrative takes us back to his youth, where he faced legal challenges due to making many bad decisions in a short period of time. He had started hanging out with the wrong crowd and got into trouble fast. However, when he faced the judge in juvenile court, he was given a second chance.
When Joseph was older and applying for employment, he tenaciously explored various avenues, aspiring to leverage his life experiences to assist those in need. Despite facing rejections due to his background during numerous job interviews, Joseph drove himself on and was hired at Pioneer Human Services in 2007, commencing his journey at the former Gibson House under the guidance of Mary Schroder. Embracing the mission-driven path of the organization, Joseph felt a sense of support that allowed him to stabilize and reassess his life's priorities.
“I was so thrilled to be given a chance to prove my skills and give back to the community,” Joseph commented. “I knew it was my passion to help others, I just need the chance to prove myself,” he added.
His professional trajectory at Pioneer led him to work with the youth in our programs that were within the foster care system, individuals grappling with family instability, juvenile probation and various challenges. It was during this time that Joseph found himself advocating for a youth in front of a judge—the very same judge who had taken a chance on Joseph during his own sentencing as a youth. The judge not only recognized Joseph, but also expressed gratitude for Joseph’s efforts with the youth, emphasizing that Joseph had not disappointed. This poignant moment solidified Joseph's passion for aiding those involved in the legal system, marking the realization that he had found his true calling.
Pioneer's unwavering support extended beyond the workplace, propelling Joseph toward educational achievements. The organization contributed to his tuition, enabling him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in Law and Justice.
Joseph shared, “Over the past 17 years, I have built my career with Pioneer and transitioned from youth programs to working with adults in our housing programs. I am very appreciative of Pioneer’s role in my professional development.”
Expressing gratitude, Joseph reflected on the privilege of working with and assisting numerous justice-involved residents. He stated, “I recognize my fortune in leading a dedicated and passionate housing team and feel privileged to work with an organization that provides such impactful work! Pioneer transforms lives and fosters career growth. My story exemplifies the transformative power of second chances and the profound impact of mentorship, resilience and community support.”