Greeley-Evans Alternative Program student Jeremiah Marin was named the 2025 Governor's Summer Job Hunt Youth Award recipient for Weld County in September 2025 for his exemplary work at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. 

From the Employment Services of Weld County:

At Habitat for Humanity ReStore, every donated item tells a story—and every refurbished piece helps build a future. Customers bring in gently used household goods, which staff then clean, restore, and transform into like-new treasures. The better the condition, the higher the value—and every dollar earned goes directly toward building safe, affordable housing for families in need.

Among the dedicated team making this mission possible is Jeremiah, whose presence radiates positivity and purpose. Throughout the day, you’ll find him unloading donations, cleaning merchandise, sweeping and mopping the sales floor, and offering warm, attentive customer service. Whether helping someone load their vehicle or simply sharing a smile, Jeremiah makes every visitor feel welcome.

Jeremiah’s story goes far beyond the sales floor. As an unaccompanied youth, he made the courageous decision to leave California less than a year ago to reunite with a family member in Colorado. He was abandoned by that relative and left to navigate his new state on his own.

Jeremiah’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience, determination, and personal growth. Unlike many of his peers, Jeremiah has had to navigate every detail of daily life just to maintain his employment often without the basic resources most take for granted.

Without access to a washer and dryer, Jeremiah used his limited spare time to ensure his clothes were clean, showing up to work with pride and professionalism. He didn’t just meet expectations—he exceeded them, even when the odds were stacked against him.

Transportation was another challenge. With no car and a job located several blocks from where he slept, Jeremiah initially walked long distances. He took it upon himself to learn the local bus system, and eventually received an electric scooter to help him reach places the bus couldn’t. His commitment to showing up—on time and ready—never wavered.

Nutrition was yet another hurdle. Without a kitchen to prepare meals, Jeremiah quickly realized that surviving on energy drinks and spicy chips wouldn’t sustain the energy he needed for work and school. He taught himself how to eat healthier, understanding that fueling his body was key to giving 100% in everything he did.

In just eight months, Jeremiah has gained a wealth of life skills—time management, financial responsibility, self-care, and perseverance. Despite facing daily adversity, he continues to show up with a “can-do” attitude and a heart full of hope.

Jeremiah is more than just a hard worker. He is a role model for what it means to rise above circumstances, to learn, to grow, and to never give up. His story is a testament to the power of grit, and he is undeniably deserving of this award.

Jeremiah faced immense challenges: securing housing on his own, navigating life without local family support, and balancing work with school. At one point, he slept in a structure unfit for living. Yet through sheer determination and his ReStore paycheck, he found safer, stable housing. He now dedicates his mornings and afternoons to schoolwork, and his evenings and weekends to his job—never losing sight of his goals.

His employer beams with pride, describing Jeremiah as “extremely polite” and “extraordinary” in his customer service. His attitude has become a magnet for customers, many of whom return just to experience his warmth and kindness again.

Despite the obstacles, Jeremiah greets each day with a joke, a smile, and an
unwavering spirit. He’s not just restoring furniture—he’s rebuilding his life, and inspiring
everyone around him to believe in the power of perseverance and hope.