By Ronald W. Weathersby
Forty-nine year old Ray Collier thought he would change his life by moving from his native Memphis to Nashville to attend trade school to become an auto mechanic. Unfortunately things turned terribly wrong for him when he was arrested for a DUI in Davidson County in 2011.
Since that time he has been frustrated by the judicial system which has left him in legal limbo since his arrest.
“The judge won’t let me leave Davidson County and I cannot get a court date to resolve the case,” Collier said in a telephone interview.
Having completed his studies, Collier was in the process of putting his business in place but really did not know how to get up and running.
“I want to start a mobile auto mechanic business. I have bought a van and the equipment to get started but until I get a court date I cannot renew my driver’s license. And, I really did not have any idea how to get started. They gave me information about programs to assist me with my finances.”
Collier was referred to the Fatherhood Program in January by a neighbor who had gone through the curriculum. Since that time he has completed the program and is now working with in the financial planning phase of the program where he is learning how to write a business plan and gaining insight into how to repair and improve his credit rating.
He is also the sole provider for eight grand-children, three boys and five girls who currently reside in public housing in Nashville.
“I am the only man in their life. The weight of the world seems to be on me. In the program I learned things that I can do to become a better father. The program helped me focus on how to become more active on the children’s life.”
Collier says that although he is still working to get his legal house in order he would recommend the program to anyone “young and old.”
“They can help you with legal matters and they can help you in your job search. They have taught me how to fill out an application correctly and how to answer questions at a job interview. Today I feel prepared to look for and get a job.”
For more information about the New Life Project Fatherhood Program call 615-340-8989 or go to http://www.nashville.gov/Health-Department/Family-Youth-and-Infant-Health/New-Life-Fatherhood-Program.aspx
Photo By: Montgomery Paxton