ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Neal McLaurin grew up in North Philly. At an early age, Neal was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects how the brain processes language. Neal struggled in school, because his school didn’t have the supports needed to properly help Neal with his dyslexia. Neal took up boxing to learn how to defend himself and build his confidence up. To this day, Neal uses physical activity as a way to overcome his situation.

Growing up in North Philly, Neal was constantly drugs and alcohol. Being raised in such an environment caused Neal to develop PTSD and he later turned to alcohol as a way to cope. Through his alcoholism, Neal ended up homeless. Neal began working out again and joined a theater group. Then he became a One Step Away vendor, using his background to distribute the paper, even citing Shakespeare to those who listened. By working with One Step Away, Neal overcame homelessness. In August 2019, Neal was promoted to a Vendor Representative at One Step Away. He will work with training and outreach, letting more people know about the opportunities One Step Away has to offer. He also works as a personal trainer and is hoping the skills he learns with One Step Away, as a Vendor Representative, will help him build a personal training business. Neal continues to raise awareness about the issues of homelessness and constantly encourages people to overcome their situations.

Neal is featured in One Step Away’s podcast “Heard” if you’d like to learn more about Neal and his struggle and triumph over homelessness visist stiticher.com or access the podcast in your Apple or Android app.

WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT NEAL? LISTEN TO NEAL TELL HIS STORY ON “HEARD”, ONE STEP AWAY’S PODCAST SERIES.