GROWING TALLER - Hope Builders€¦ · finish his resume and schedule interviews. The hard work...
Transcript of GROWING TALLER - Hope Builders€¦ · finish his resume and schedule interviews. The hard work...
Training Phase: Meet Gabriela
Gabriela began her training in the
Office Careers Academy this past
February. At 22 years old, she
felt overwhelmed and unsure about her
future—she hadn’t finished high school
and was struggling to support herself,
her mother and 2-year-old daughter on a
minimum-wage job.
Her boyfriend had completed the
construction training program and
encouraged her to enroll. Now, Gabriela’s
future looks much brighter. She is learning
Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint,
as well as business math and customer
service. Initially it was hard for her to juggle
being a mom and a student. But, with the
help of her Support Specialist, Gabriela
was able to figure out how to meet the
deadlines for her coursework outside of
the classroom. “Now I’m done with my
assignments a week before they’re due,”
she says. Because of her improved time
management, Gabriela has managed to
go back to school in the evenings to
finish her high school diploma.
Outside of training, Gabriela
receives additional support from
Taller San Jose, including monthly
childcare vouchers, which make
it possible for Gabriela to maintain
reliable childcare for her daughter
during the day.
Upon training completion, Gabriela
will earn her Business Applications and
Technology Certificate and 18 units
towards the completion of her AA
degree at Santa Ana College.
From Hopeless to College-Ready
GROWING TALLERSPRING 2014
Enrollment Phase: Meet Juan
Juan recently enrolled in the
Construction Academy. As a
28-year-old single father with a
criminal record, Juan views his training
opportunity with Taller San Jose as a
second chance to give his son a better life.
Growing up in foster care, he moved
around a lot and had a hard time
staying out of trouble. Juan got
involved with drugs and eventually
went to prison for three years. Upon
his release, he completed a drug
treatment program and learned
about Taller San Jose.
After submitting an application to
the program, Juan was asked to
complete a written assignment
before his interview with an
Enrollment Specialist. “It was
the first time I had to sit down and do
homework in years,” he recalls. “It helped
me realize how much of a commitment
the program was going to be.”
Submitting an application, passing a drug
test, completing a written assignment and
interviewing with an Enrollment Specialist
are some of the ways that prospective
trainees demonstrate their “readiness for
change,” a requirement for enrolling in
Taller San Jose.
Juan knows that to successfully complete
the program, he’ll need to work really
hard and get up early every day so that he
doesn’t miss his 7:00 a.m. bus. He’ll also
have to avoid his old “homies.”
He is motivated and believes that he is
ready to seize this opportunity to rebuild
his life.
Ready for Change
There is a palpable energy around Taller San Jose these days. Classrooms are full of young men and women eager to make
something of a good opportunity; collaborative partnerships have brought college faculty and new staff members into our buildings; and, strengthened programming is assisting us to stay connected to trainees longer so that we can better understand the impact Taller San Jose makes in the life of a young person. It’s an exciting time.
Last fall, Taller San Jose’s board of directors committed to better understanding the workforce and educational needs of disadvantaged youth outside the boundaries of Santa Ana. While Santa Ana remains an area of great need, we are all acutely aware that there are rough neighborhoods throughout the county that could benefit from the services Taller San Jose offers young people. While we want to be thoughtful not to jeopardize the success we’ve achieved over the past eighteen years, we are preparing ourselves to expand our ability to reach more young people stuck and in need of a second chance.
Your generous support of Taller San Jose is a great source of encouragement to me, especially as we consider how to serve the workforce needs of young people throughout the county. I thank you for valuing our mission to walk young people out of poverty and onto self-sufficiency. I look forward to sharing Taller San Jose’s vision for the future as it evolves over the coming months.
Greetings from Shawna Smith
Everybody Needs an Amigo
Become an Amigo by sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship for a young person looking for a way out
of poverty. Amigo scholarships help to provide hands-on job skills training, support services and
links to employment and education for the 350 young people Taller San Jose serves each year.
To sponsor an Amigo scholarship, please call (714) 543-5105, ext. 128 or visit www.tallersanjose.org
Taller San Jose appreciates its most recent Amigos, who made gifts between December 2013 and March 2014:Mr. and Mrs. Anthony AllenMr. and Mrs. John R. BercawMr. and Mrs. Raymond L. BertolottiMs. Eleanor BrewerMr. and Mrs. Frank J. CalabrettaCapitalSource BankClark Construction Group-California, LPMr. and Mrs. Michael A. CloggMr. and Mrs. Thomas CroalMs. Jane T. DuffyMr. Joe GilbreathMr. John Gross and Ms. Jennifer PerryMr. and Mrs. Michael HaganMr. and Mrs. Edward HaskeMs. Kathyrn HenniganMr. and Mrs. Kim R. HenryMs. Michele HimmelbergMr. Anthony C. HummelMr. and Mrs. John JacobsMr. David Jorris and Mrs. Diana SheaMr. and Mrs. Kent KitselmanMr. and Mrs. Charles V. KovacMark RobertsMrs. Maureen LuebbersMr. and Mrs. William McCune
Mr. and Mrs. Mark MildebrathMission Hospital’s Executive TeamMs. Susan MooreMr. Steve MorrisMs. Deborah MorrisonOur Lady Queen of Angels ChurchOutside the Lines, Inc.Pacific Western BankMr. and Mrs. William SchlaterMr. and Mrs. Paul SchloemerMr. John Shea and Dr. Herminia Shea-MartinezMs. Linda L. SimonMs. Stephanie Sloggett-O’DellMr. and Mrs. Craig B. SmithDr. and Mrs. John StollsteimerMr. and Mrs. Mark StraussMr. Mark StraussMs. Thea StuedliMs. Kim SullivanThe Donald L. Schoellerman FoundationThe William & Sue Gross Family FoundationThe William and Nancy Thompson Family FoundationMr. Anthony P. WagnerMr. and Mrs. Guy B. WilsonMr. and Mrs. Robert Wilson
Employer Partner Highlight
On the Path to Self-Sufficiency
Taller San Jose offers Medical Careers
Academy trainees the opportunity to gain
real-world work experience by volunteering
with AccessOC, a provider of specialty
medical care to Orange County’s
low-income and under- or uninsured
residents. Taller San Jose trainees are able to
volunteer on “Super Surgery Saturdays,” when
AccessOC provides free surgeries to uninsured
patients. Executive Director Ericka Waidley says,
“We enjoy having the students volunteer and
feel that it is a win-win: we get the benefit of
trained, bilingual volunteers and they get to see
health care in action by helping to assist patients
and families, observing the roles of the surgical
team, and learning about the needs
of those who are uninsured or
underinsured.” After being impressed
by the professionalism and relevant job skills
of Taller San Jose trainee Elizeth, AccessOC
recently hired her as a program coordinator at a
starting wage of $17 per hour! Taller San Jose is
grateful to AccessOC for providing volunteer and
employment opportunities to its youth.
AccessOC, Southern California
Placement Phase: Meet Joel
Gratefully,
Shawna SmithCEO/Executive Director
Joel completed Taller San Jose’s 16-week
Administration and Billing Clerk Academy
and a 4-week externship with Affinity
Dental in Santa Ana this past February.
Admittedly shy, Joel says the weekly Life
Skills workshops he participated in during
his training were helpful in building his
confidence, but he was still nervous about
finding a job when his externship ended.
He worked with Taller San Jose’s
employment services team to
practice his interviewing skills,
finish his resume and schedule
interviews. The hard work
paid off. One week after Joel
completed his externship, he was offered a full-time
job as a Billing Specialist at MD EyeCare, earning
$10.50 per hour. He’ll be eligible to receive
health benefits in May, after three months of
employment.
Over the next two years, Joel will continue to
meet with his Support Specialist to ensure that
he continues advancing his employment,
life stability and educational goals.
He’ll also be able to take advantage
of the social/emotional wellness and
educational support groups that
Taller San Jose provides. “I already
miss this place,” Joel says, “and I
look forward to coming back.”
Kris and Stacey Manning relocated from
Bethesda, Maryland, to Orange County
with Kris’ company, Clark Construction
Group, in early 2012. The couple’s first exposure to
Taller San Jose was at the Builder’s Lunch, when
Kris attended as a guest of Richard Heim, Taller
San Jose board member and president of Clark’s
western region. “I had the chance to meet the
students and hear their stories,” Kris recalls. “Their
excitement was contagious. It’s great to see how
proud the youth are to be learning the trade.”
That September, his wife joined him at the Light
Up A Life gala and, what started as a business
commitment, turned into a personal passion for
the organization and its mission. Both Kris and
Stacey have since become personally involved with
Taller San Jose. “How often do you get to share
something you are passionate about with your
spouse?” asks Kris.
Stacey brings her background as an events
manager to the Light Up A Life planning
committee. “It’s a truly special event,” shares
Stacey, “I’m impressed year after year by the
student speaker. They have such courage to get up
there and share their story!”
Kris sits on Taller San Jose’s Anaheim Task Force
and is helping Taller San Jose develop a strategy
for expanding its services in Orange County. “I
remember one of my first task force meetings.
Shawna had just shown us the map of Anaheim’s
crime and poverty rates. That’s when it clicked:
we are really going into the roughest areas and
heading to the heart of the issue,” recalls Kris.
“Shawna continues to lead Taller San Jose with
the same principles as its founding days—going
into the neighborhoods and serving the youth who
need it most.”
Kris and Stacey encourage others to learn more
about Taller San Jose by taking a tour, finding
out how you can get more involved, or taking the
time to meet with a student. Taller San Jose is
extremely grateful to Kris and Stacey Manning and
their dedication to the organization. They are true
Amigos to Taller San Jose!
Hope Builders
Amigo Spotlight
When Ryan completed training with Taller
San Jose’s Construction Academy last
June, he was worried about finding
a job. Growing up in poverty and lacking stable
housing, he knew the security that a good job could
bring him and his family. He thought that additional
training through Hope Builders, Taller San Jose’s
general contracting company, would ultimately
ensure him job stability.
Furthering the mission of Taller San Jose, Hope
Builders helps to bridge the employment gap
for young people like Ryan. Crew members are
hired for a transitional employment period of
up to 12 months, with the goal of moving them
to permanent, living-wage jobs. Hope Builders
helps crew members develop their technical skills
and provides mentorship to the young people
employed. As a Hope Builders employee, Ryan
worked side-by-side with master tradesmen and
received additional on-the-job training in carpentry,
plumbing, painting and electrical installation. This
past month, Hope Builders’ Director of Business
Development, John Raya, connected Ryan to a job
with Arce Electric. Ryan is now making $12 per hour
and just recently moved into a new apartment. He
hopes to be able to continue gaining experience in
the electrical field and increasing his wages.
Hope Builders currently employs 9 crew
members—all at varying stages of their transitional
employment contracts. Currently, Hope Builders
is working on several projects, including new
construction, tenant improvements and remodeling
projects. Current clients include Affordable Housing
Clearinghouse, ANR Industries, Citivest, Habitat for
Humanity, Mission Hospital, NeighborWorks, OC
Community Housing and St. Joseph Health.
For more information about Hope Builders, or to
receive a bid on an upcoming home improvement
project, visit hope-build.com or contact John Raya,
director of business development, at (714) 542-
2129, ext. 209.
Kris and Stacey Manning
Last week, Sister Elaine Moffitt slipped
$100 into my pocket. She is 91 and
nearly blind. “Use this to help change
somebody’s life for the better,” she whispered.
“Give it to Taller San Jose.” Sisters of St.
Joseph take a vow of poverty, and active
or retired, we receive $100 a month for
discretionary expenses. In your family you
might call it an “allowance.” Sister Elaine
gave hers to me. If I have the privilege of
living into my 90s, I’d like to have a generous
heart like hers. I hope the choices that I make
toward the end of my life will be less about
me and more about making life better for
others. It seems like a good plan for getting
into heaven. My special thanks to you, who
through your generosity, give life and hope to
Taller San Jose’s young people.
For information on how to include Taller San
Jose in your estate plans, please contact
Christa Sheehan at (714) 543-5105, ext. 112.
Sister Eileen Legacy SocietyThe generosity of others can change someone’s life
Employment UpdateCongratulations to the following:
801 N. BroadwaySanta Ana, CA 92701-3423(714) 543-5105www.tallersanjose.org
Taller San Jose Board of Directors - Jeff Randolph, Board Chair, Shawna Smith, CEO/Executive Director, Dolores Gonzalez-Hayes, Richard Heim, Tom Honan, Christopher Leo, Sister Eileen McNerney, CSJ, Kathleen D. Rodin, Dr. Linda Rose, Catherine Skelton, Larry Stofko, George Urch, Charles E. Walker, Angela Wergechik, Kevin Wijayawickrama
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
Since January 31 youth were placed into employment at a starting wage of $12.21 per hour
Stay up to date by following us at facebook.com/tallersanjose
Save the DateTaller San Jose’s Light Up A Life Gala
— is on —
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Event co-chairs, Joyce Armen & Mimi Cora, invite you to join us as we honor The R.J. Noble Company & The Carver Family with the Best of Friends award.
At The Promenade & Gardens by Turnip Rose
1570 Scenic AvenueCosta Mesa, CA 92626
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Laura Palmer at (714) 543-5105, ext. 123.
Get InvolvedTo Volunteer, please contact Laura
Palmer at (714) 543-5105, ext. 123.
To Hire a Graduate, please contact
Meghan Medlin at (714) 543-5105,
ext. 138.
To Make a Gift, please contact Shirley
Dullum at (714) 543-5105, ext. 128.
Attend a Taller San Jose WORKS Tour!
Upcoming Tour Dates: • May 13, 1:00 PM
• June 10, 8:30 AM
• July 8, 1:00 PM
To RSVP for a monthly tour or to
request that Taller San Jose make a
presentation at your office, please
contact Lindsey Fry at (714) 543-5105,
ext. 121.
Name Company Title Hourly Wage
Alberto Chipotle Cook $9.00Alexandra St. Jude Heritage Group Medical Assistant $13.90 Anabel PPOSBC Front Office Assistant $12.00 Candelaria St. Jude Heritage Group MA Float $14.00 Cristian Hope Builders Helper $10.00 Daisy Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Receptionist $13.00 Daisy St.JosephHealth Marketing Intern $12.36 Daniel ATP Porter $12.00 Edwin Prime Co. Painting &Construction Painter $12.00Elizeth Access OC Program Coordinator $17.00Esmeralda Guaranty Chevrolet Cashier/Receptionist $9.00Evangeline Pacific Hills Treatment Center House Manager $12.00Israel Hope Builders Helper $10.00Jazmin Consumer’s Portfolio Services Processor $12.00Jennifer Share Our Selves (SOS) Front Office Rep $13.50Joel MD EyeCare Billing Specialist $10.50John Hope Builders Helper $10.00Jonathan DC Construction Helper $16.00Leonel West Coast Air Conditioning Carpenter $19.90Mayra Road Runner Sports Cashier $12.00Reina MedXM Call Center Representative $10.00Samantha Newport Doctors Medical Group Medical Assistant $13.00Simon Beckett Construction Laborer $9.00Todd Kasa Construction Laborer $18.00Valerie St. Jude Heritage Group Medical Assistant $14.25Victor CJ Construction Cement Apprentice $21.67Wendy Memorial Care Medical Group FOA/BO Office Float $15.10Yadira Tustin Irvine Medical Group Front Office Admin $14.00Yesenia Patricia A. Atie OptometristBiller $13.00Yesenia Scott & Goldman Customer ServiceRep $13.00Yonathan Rooster Plumbing Helper $10.00