Awaken Foundation L3C

Building Bridges — Episode 9: Mastering the Trades with Johnny “Ferg” Ferguson 🔧

Some people teach skills.
Others teach purpose.

In this special episode, we sit down with Johnny “Ferg” Ferguson — a true craftsman with 40+ years of experience — to talk about the power of becoming a jack of all trades and why versatility builds confidence far beyond the job site.

From his early days working in a local hospital to co-owning Job Ready Construction Bootcamp, Ferg shares how hands-on learning shapes not just careers, but character. He also opens up about surviving a quadruple bypass surgery, his spiritual journey, and how those moments changed the way he mentors the next generation at Awaken Foundation.

This one is full of wisdom, perspective, and real-life lessons for anyone considering the trades or searching for direction.

🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/CMdAzPLY8ss?si=wgqVpugLFyMe84Ar

🎧 New Episode Alert! 🚧✨

In this powerful installment of Building Bridges, we sit down with Jurea Crudup (CEO of Awaken Foundation), Johnny Ferguson (Lead Instructor & Owner of JRCB), and Carolyn Ferguson (Co-Founder & Case Manager of Job Ready Construction Bootcamp).

They share their journeys rooted in community, education, and trades, exploring why respect, hands-on experience, and local investment matter. From challenges to triumphs, their mission to uplift and empower students through trade education shines through with heart and purpose.

Tap in for insights, inspiration, and a reminder that homegrown talent builds strong communities.

👉 Watch now: https://youtu.be/vBQHIV-4nBA?si=FJg9sSNBXUuOW6k4

Building Bridges Episode 8: Empowering Lives & Building Communities In this episode of Building Bridges, we have an insightful discussion with Jurea Crudup, CEO of Awaken Foundation, Johnny Ferguson, lead instructor and owner...

Check out episode seven here https://youtu.be/sI6VVdVAzE0?si=h_0xEotnDHiZHNtF

From Rockford roots to a statewide mission. ✨

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jurea Crudup, Founder & CEO of Awaken Foundation L3C, to talk about what it really takes to build something bigger than yourself.

She shares her journey, the obstacles she faced, and the heart behind creating a foundation that opens doors through trades, apprenticeships, and workforce opportunity.

This isn’t just a story about success—it’s about purpose, resilience, and believing in what’s possible for your community.

🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and see what happens when vision meets action.

Building Bridges Episode 7: Building Bridges with Jurea Crudup, Founder of The Awaken Foundation Join us as we delve into an inspiring conversation with Jurea Crudup, founder and CEO of the Awaken Foundation L3C. We discuss her journey from her early day...

Due to the extreme cold front expected tomorrow, Northwest Community Center will be closed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, January 26, 2026. Thank you for your understanding.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by recommitting ourselves to service, equity, and action.

Dr. King reminded us that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” At Awaken Foundation L3C, that belief lives at the core of our work. We exist to create pathways to opportunity, healing, and sustainable careers by investing in people, prioritizing mental health, and building workforce solutions rooted in dignity and purpose.

This day is not just about reflection. It is about responsibility. It is about continuing the work of creating access, breaking cycles, and empowering individuals to rise into their potential.

Service is the mission. Community is the work. Action is the legacy.

The work is real.

The growth is real.

The community behind it is even realer.

Thank you to everyone who believes in our students.