'I wouldn't be here': Glasgow woman thanks Rangers Charity Foundation

Courtney Kimmins, 23, had previously been in trouble with the police after going down a path that she admitted was the wrong and dark one. 

The 23-year-old, from Cardonald, felt that no one could help and that she had nowhere to turn until she was referred to Rangers Charity Foundation, a move that Courtney says has saved her life. 

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Courtney Kimmins who has come through the Rangers Charity Foundation Cashback for Communities- Towards New Futures programme (Image: Colin Mearns)

Now, in employment in the hospitality sector thanks to the club's eight-week CashBack for Communities – Towards New Futures course, the young adult has completely turned her life around.

Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Courtney said: "The help from everyone changed my life, my full life. 

"If I didn't have this course I don't think I would actually be here right now to tell anyone my story because honestly, I don't think that I would survive.

"Before, I was in a life of crime nonstop and was in a hole and ended up having a tag on my ankle.

"I got passed through to the Rangers Charity Foundation through Elevate (Employability) and when I came here I changed as it made me more motivated to get myself away from the criminal side and into a job.

"Everyone here will tell you, the first few times I came I didn't speak and was always dead down as I didn't think anyone here would help me but that wasn't the case.

"The people here really listen to you and their working schedule is to help you, they aren't sitting there telling me 'we are gonna do this or that' like most places, they actually give you the help."

Courtney also revealed how the foundation staff are "always smiling and very friendly".

CashBack for Communities – Towards New Future participants improve their employment prospects and CVs by completing accredited fitness, first-aid and mental health courses.

The initiative includes a variety of formal and industry-recognised awards utilising the Foundation’s SQA Centre status.

Having started in 2020, the foundation is closing in on nearly helping 1000 people achieve an SQA award in some form thanks to their wider achievement classes.

The programme is free and is run four days per week for eight weeks and after completing the classes the foundation offers aftercare to ensure the participants are keeping well and keep them motivated to achieve their goals.

Now many weeks after completing the course Courtney says that she is thrilled to have achieved her dream of having her own house and job, something she didn't think would ever happen.

She said: "From day one, this is what I have always wanted, to have my house sorted and a job.

"I am a lot happier now than I was before. I have got everything I need.

"Now I am living my dream, it doesn't feel real to me, to be honest."