Today we’d like to introduce you to Arlena Baker.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Arlena. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Long Island, New York, and raised in Columbus, Georgia. I am a single mother, retired Army Veteran and entrepreneur. The foundation on which my business was created came from a strong passion for community service. My journey began in 2017 after retiring from Civil Service on Fort Benning, Georgia. Out of the blue, one day it occurred to me that there is something more that I am destined for. In that moment, I definitely knew I didn’t want to work for anyone else, except myself. I have always been passionate about helping people and wanting our communities to thrive. I was volunteering at a Veteran’s homeless shelter and knew it was preparing me for something, but I still couldn’t shake this feeling; it just wasn’t enough; I knew there was more. It was right before my eyes; the deadliest drug in the world is legal and available on almost every street corner of our neighborhoods. While serving in the military, I saw so many soldiers ruin their lives, and the lives of their families and other loved ones because they would not control their use of a “highly addictive, legal, liquid drug”. It was then I decided to pursue the Driving under the Influence “DUI” school. I started doing my research on how I could make this happen. After a week long of getting the run around from people that was knowledgeable, but didn’t want to share the information, I finally got in contact with the right person. I often felt like giving up, I did not. I prayed even harder. I gathered the information that was given to me and accomplished the mission. I attended a 3 day, very long, intense course, in Duluth, Georgia. After successfully completing the course and passing, I earned my certification. This certification allowed me to become an instructor and director. In November of 2017, I opened up 1st Choice DUI School.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I must say it’s a whole lot better. I give all the glory to God! A few of my struggles along the way have been people want help you. If you know something that can help someone else, inform them. It seems everyone is in competition with each other and there’s no need to be. I always say “what God has for you is for you” there’s no need to compete with anyone!! Also, there’s not many African American women who own DUI School’s, so this is a struggle within itself.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with 1st Choice DUI School – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
1st Choice DUI School is for people who have been driving under the influence and is court ordered to take my class. I have been afforded the opportunity to educate people on the danger of driving while under the influence, placing their life and others in jeopardy, drug and alcohol prevention, and preventing incarceration. I assist people with obtaining their driver license again once they have been convicted of a DUI. You must take an assessment before you take the Risk Reduction Course (DUI Course). The class is a three day 20-hour consecutive course. This includes reading, doing activities in a workbook, watching brief movies, interacting in the class, and taking a 10 question test at the end of the course. You must pass the test in order to get your certificate. My proudest moment was when I finally realized I did it, I actually opened up a school!!! What sets me aside from others is; I’m an army veteran, so I know how to devote my kindness to the soldiers or civilians that have to take my class because I was once a soldier myself.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Atlanta! This is a city where pretty much everyone wins! I feel it’s a great location to start a business because there’s so many different areas to explore. In Atlanta, everything goes, and you have many different options and so many opportunities. It’s so much to see. I totally dislike the TRAFFIC!!! I’m sure there’s lots of people that dislike the traffic.
Pricing:
- ASSESSMENT $100
- DUI/RISK REDUCTION CLASS $260
- TOTAL $360
Contact Info:
- Address: 5870 VETERANS PARKWAY SUITE M-1, COLUMBUS, GA. 31909
- Website: http://1stchoicedui.com
- Phone: 706-221-3571
- Email: 1stchoiceduischool@gmail.com
- Facebook: 1st choice dui school
Image Credit:
Twyler Blackshear, Arlena Baker
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