Driving Change: Paving Pathways to Prosperity in Trucking and Logistics

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In the vital world of trucking and logistics, a silent force is at work, connecting talent with opportunity and advocating for a more inclusive industry. Driving Change is on a mission to empower individuals through comprehensive workforce development, direct staffing solutions, and an innovative CDL incubator program. Their goal is to help aspiring drivers transition into successful owner-operators, fostering lasting economic advancement for individuals and strengthening the industry as a whole.

In an interview with TNH Insider, Founder and Executive Director Roxanne Forsythe shares "As the COO of Paperboie Trucking, I've had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable journey of our CEO, Lindell Forsythe. Once labeled a "lost cause," Lindell transformed his life and turned that narrative around, building a thriving business while dedicating himself to uplifting our community. This inspired the creation of Driving Change. To empower individuals by creating pathways to success, ensuring that everyone can rise together."

"Our Core Values: The Pillars of Our Mission"

At the heart of Driving Change are three core values that guide every action and decision:

Economic Justice

They are deeply committed to economic justice, striving to break the cycle of poverty and dismantle systemic barriers that disproportionately impact resettlement populations, including asylum seekers and reentry citizens. These groups often face immense challenges when seeking stable, living-wage careers. They create equitable pathways, provide access to essential resources, and foster opportunities for wealth building. Their work ensures that everyone has the chance to achieve financial independence and thrive, promoting fairness and sustainable change for all.

Collaborative Impact

They believe that true transformation comes from collaborative impact. They prioritize meaningful partnerships and collective action, working hand-in-hand with industry leaders, community organizations, and various stakeholders. By amplifying their efforts, they ensure the success of resettlement populations in the trucking and logistics sector, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Inherent Dignity

Their belief in the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is unwavering. They honor the social, emotional, and physical well-being of resettlement populations, ensuring they are treated with respect, empathy, and fairness. Their holistic approach upholds dignity in every interaction and decision, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
 

"Bridging the Gap: Our Background and Approach"

Driving Change was founded to address critical workforce gaps in the trucking and logistics industries, specifically focusing on the systemic barriers faced by resettlement populations. These individuals often encounter significant hurdles, such as limited access to industry-specific training, employment opportunities, and clear pathways to financial independence. Their organization, driven by a deep understanding of these struggles, rooted in both lived experience and an unwavering commitment to equity, bridges these gaps through innovative workforce development, direct staffing solutions, and robust owner-operator pathways. By empowering individuals with the skills, resources, and opportunities to succeed, they foster both personal transformation and economic resilience within South Carolina's trucking and logistics sector.

Paperboie Trucking: A Model for Success

A pivotal part of our mission is our for-profit arm, Paperboie Trucking. As a minority-owned trucking company, Paperboie Trucking serves as both a model and a partner in workforce integration. It understands the importance of creating accessible career opportunities while upholding industry cultures of excellence. Driving Change  provides participants with invaluable hands-on exposure to the realities of the industry through Paperboie Trucking, acting as a critical training ground for aspiring CDL drivers and logistics professionals. This dual approach ensures that our efforts are not only transformative for individuals but also highly impactful for the broader industry, helping to fill labor shortages and foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Why This Matters: The Numbers

The challenges faced by many in resettlement populations are significant. For example, reentry citizens, individuals returning to society after incarceration, often struggle with securing stable employment. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, within five years of release, approximately 68% of released prisoners are rearrested. A major factor contributing to this high recidivism rate is the difficulty in finding consistent, legal income, with unemployment rates for formerly incarcerated individuals estimated to be as high as 27%, significantly higher than the national average.

Asylum seekers also face unique obstacles. While statistics on their employment rates are more fluid due to varying legal statuses and reporting methods, many are barred from working for extended periods after arriving in the U.S., leading to prolonged periods of unemployment and financial instability. Even when work authorization is granted, they often face language barriers, lack of recognized credentials, and discrimination, making it difficult to secure skilled or even entry-level positions.

Driving Change directly tackles these issues. By providing CDL training, which can lead to average annual salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 for experienced drivers, and fostering pathways to becoming owner-operators, who can earn significantly more, they offer a concrete route to financial independence. Their programs are designed to equip individuals with in-demand skills, connecting them to a robust industry that is consistently in need of skilled labor.


At Driving Change, they believe that by investing in individuals, they invest in stronger communities and a more equitable economy for all. Join them in driving change, one empowered individual at a time.

Check them out at:   drivingchangesc.com  

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