Trainer Spotlight: Deerek

A Journey of Growth, Stability, and Purpose

Deerek describes his journey as a rollercoaster, but one marked by real growth.

In the past, he coped with hardship through negative outlets, including the use of drugs and alcohol. He spent over 13 years incarcerated, including long periods in isolation.

"I remember the pain... and my family," Deerek said.

That memory continues to drive him forward. Today, he’s making more intentional, positive decisions.

Through ICW, he connected with his first therapist — something he never thought he needed. That support became life-changing. It played a key role in helping him successfully navigate probation, stay out of jail and begin building a more stable future, which was especially important since he had a child on the way. He regained his driver’s license, secured a job and avoided returning to illicit activities. 

Deerek is now approaching four years without incarceration, and he has maintained a job at Toyota for three years — the longest period of employment in his life.

"This is more than a paycheck," Deerek said. “I wouldn’t say I feel safe 100% of the time… but at ICW, I do.”

While still navigating challenges, Deerek is actively choosing a different path. He continues working toward healthier coping strategies in difficult moments, and he plans to pursue a Commercial Driver’s License to open up more long-term career opportunities. He says he is driven by the desire to give his children things he didn’t have growing up.

At ICW, Deerek feels a sense of peace and security he doesn’t experience elsewhere. Outside, that feeling fades — he still finds himself looking over his shoulder. Inside ICW, he doesn’t have to.