Angelo Brandon was in the prime of his life — at 30 years old, he was a talented artist and painter. He was also a single dad with no job.
He had previous experience in cleaning and janitorial services. But with no one else to watch his 8-month-old son and 2-year-old daughter, he was unable to work. As he struggled to provide for his children, he dreamed of starting his own business.
Then Angelo found UPO’s Paradise Early Childhood Center. When he enrolled his children, the center director talked with him about UPO’s CARES Act programs. One caught his attention — a Cleaning and Sanitation certification course specifically for entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses. He jumped at the chance and enrolled!
Angelo and his family are now thriving, in part because of CARES Act funds that helped with rent, utilities, and car repairs so he could get to class. He also received groceries, clothing, toddler beds, diapers, and a stroller, “so I won’t have to be Hercules trying to carry them both,” he said.
Angelo is now working at a job and taking classes for his certification. His goal is to launch his business and make his dream come true.
