In 3½ years, 450 north St. Louis County and St. Louis city men have been part of a transformative program called Save Our Sons (“SOS”). The program, designed to prepare African-American men for jobs, especially those who are not getting a foot in the door based on their criminal background, lack of education, work experience or color of their skin held a graduation ceremony for their 29th SOS class on August 3, 2018. Among the men recognized at the ceremony was AZZ Assistant Supervisor Harold Lee.
“This program opened my eyes to a better way out”, said Lee. “I am turning 30 soon enough. I don’t want that life for my kids”. Lee was raised in a single family home and was introduced to the gang lifestyle, by family members, at the young age of 8. He’s been in and out of the prison system and is thankful for the opportunity to turn his life around.
Lee’s journey exemplifies the AZZ Mission Statement, which is ‘to create superior value in a culture where people can grow and TRAITS matter’. TRAITS is an acronym for the values of Trust, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Teamwork and Safety. Accountability, in particular, is defined as ‘taking responsibility for our actions, and ownership of results. We do what we commit to, both personally and as a team’.
Congratulations to Harold Lee and his personal accomplishment!
