Forklifts, Family, and a Fresh Start: Cordele’s Next Chapter
September 16, 2025
Cordele first learned about the Food Bank of Delaware’s warehousing/logistics training program while at the Delaware Department of Correction’s Plummer Center.
Once enrolled in the training program, Cordele quickly discovered what he enjoyed most. “Really, the machines. The hands-on work,” he said.
This hands-on training led directly into a new career. “The main reason I got involved in the program was because I wanted to be certified. I’ve got a family, so pay really matters. I just knew having those credentials under my belt, along with experience, would take me where I needed to go. I’ve got a job now—and it’s a career job. I’m working at BWT Logistics.”
His family is his motivation. “I’ve got a daughter, and my wife has three sons. My daughter is 16, and her kids are 17, 16, and 8,” he says.
Cordele credits the program with giving him the skills and confidence to apply for his new job. “The program built my knowledge. So, while I’m at work, there are things they do that I’m already familiar with because of this program. I probably wouldn’t have applied if I didn’t have some of the tools I learned here.”
Cordele has also gotten plenty of time on equipment, which connects directly to his new job. “I like the cherry picker, and I like the reach. I drive the forklift—that’s what I do at my job. I’m not going to say I’m an expert, but I’m pretty good,” he pointed out.
He also found value in the life skills portion of training. “It’s helped me interact with people. When we first start, we usually rate our day from one to 10. Some mornings you don’t want to express how you’re feeling—you’d rather just move on with your day. But this has helped me interact on a day-to-day basis, especially with people I don’t know, and to share a little about myself. That’s something I normally wouldn’t do.”
The experiences outside the warehouse and classroom have also left strong impressions. “Going to Barclays was the best experience,” he said. “It was more for the culinary arts students, but it was good for us too. Now when I ride past that building, I can look at it differently—like, ‘Man, that’s a nice building.’”
The time spent at Barclays strengthened his professional skills. “It was a lot of good information, especially the feedback we got on our resumes. We always get practice with interviewing, and I liked that.”
For Cordele, the program has been about much more than learning machines—it’s about building discipline, confidence, and opportunity. “Being out here in society versus being in prison, it tests my patience. A lot of things I was self-taught or learned through books, I’m now getting hands-on. It just brings everything to the forefront.”
Cordele reflects on being a returning citizen and adjusting to life outside of prison. “I’m not going to say it was difficult, because being at the Plummer helped me out,” he pointed out. “Sometimes people go straight out and they don’t have resources. The Plummer provided me with resources, and I already had support from my family. Putting those together made it easier for me to transition,” he explained.
To anyone considering the program, Cordele has some advice. “You need discipline. If you’re not disciplined, this isn’t the place for you. Being in prison, you get used to doing your own thing. But this program has good structure. It helps you out if you want to work and earn money.”
When asked about his five-year plan, Cordele shared big goals. “I’ve got personal things I want to do, like being an entrepreneur,” he said. I also want to drive trucks locally so I can still spend time with my family.”
To learn more about the program, click here.
