After a lifetime underpinned by odd jobs and making a plan to survive, an opportunity to do some good for the Fourways community came by and changed Amos’ life. After he volunteered to be a part of a clean-up effort, he was offered his first permanent job!
Fourways, South Africa (26 August 2024) — In Fourways, community efforts to better and maintain a part of the area led to a life-changing second chance for 37-year-old Amos; a fantastic example of how one stream of good community intentions can flow to a new direction of even more good for one individual.
37-year-old Amos had always found a way to survive despite life’s hardship. With limited education, Amos understands more than most what it means to ‘make a plan’. Finding occasional work as a gardener or painter, Amos certainly struggled, but always got by. That was until the pandemic hit and these opportunities disappeared.
Amos was forced to return to his childhood home in Giyani. As Nicola Killops, who told his hardship to hope story on Better Fourways writes:
“Amos lived with distant relatives with no work and no money, but the overwhelming challenges they all faced meant he had to fend for himself. Determined to find a way out, Amos returned to Fourways, seeking shelter with a cousin in Cosmo City while searching for work.”
Better Fourways, a community-driven initiative that works hard to revitalise and maintain Fourways had begun clean-up efforts in Amos’ area. With each blade of grass cut, piece of litter removed, and vegetation management project they undertake, they help bring a sense of pride to Fourways. And for Amos, the opportunity to change his life.
Seeing their efforts, Amos decided he wanted to be a part of the difference they were making, hoping this might be something he could be a part of long after the short-term project.
“When I saw what they were doing and the difference they were making, I volunteered to help them,” he shares.
Amos threw himself into the tasks for two weeks; inspiring the team and the business working alongside them with his work ethic and determination.
In an incredible turn for Amos, Nick Dunn, the owner of Lawn Care Plus who facilitated the clean-up decided to offer Amos a full-time job. This would mean the first time Amos would ever not have to worry about where his next job was coming from; a weight off his shoulders greater than most can fathom.
“His dedication and hard work stood out so much that we offered him full-time employment. Now fully equipped, he’ll work with us five days a week, and we’re thrilled to have him on board,” shares Nick.
“My dream was about survival,” Amos says. “I am now 37 years old and only got this permanent job. It’s too early to set goals as I have had plenty of challenges and still cannot believe this happened to me. I want to save the money first that I am earning before deciding what to do.”
As Nicola reflects:
“Amos’ story is not just about one man’s journey; it’s about the power of community, the importance of giving back, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.”
Amos got the job on 1 August where he stands tall as a beacon of hope for others who were once in his shoes.
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