James found his way back to a place that once felt like home—and into work that gave him purpose. Along the way, access to his earned wages helped turn stressful moments into manageable ones, giving him greater independence and room to breathe.
James Avelis’s story begins and comes full circle at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. As a child, it was a place filled with memories. Today, he works there as a teaching artist, helping young children discover their own creativity. But the path back wasn’t easy. James left inconsistent security work for a low-paid summer internship with no guarantee of a permanent position. While waiting for his opportunity, he took odd jobs, sold personal belongings, donated plasma and sometimes skipped meals just to stay afloat.
After earning a permanent role, James was still living paycheck to paycheck when he discovered Payactiv through his employer’s Paychex app. The first time he used it, his phone and Wi-Fi were about to be disconnected just one day before payday. Accessing wages he had already earned allowed him to pay the bill, buy groceries and avoid another financial setback. For James, it wasn’t about having extra money—it was about having his money when he needed it. That access gave him greater independence, more control over everyday expenses and the breathing room to keep building a steadier life.
