Ms. Estrada spent several years working in customer service roles at restaurants and supermarkets after graduating from high school. While those experiences helped her develop strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, she eventually realized she wanted something more stable and fulfilling for her future.

About a year ago, she attended Focus 360, but securing employment proved difficult.

Ms. Estrada had recently left an abusive relationship and was navigating an emotionally challenging period in her life. As a single mother, balancing healing, parenting, and job searching felt overwhelming.

Instead of giving up, she chose to take advantage of the supportive services offered through GAIN, including counseling. With time and encouragement, Ms. Estrada began to rebuild her confidence and focus on new possibilities for herself and her son.

In November 2025, she enrolled in the LACOE

Re-Focus program. From the beginning, she noticed the difference in the program’s structure. The daily one-on-one sessions allowed her to receive personalized guidance as she refined her job search strategy.

During the program, Ms. Estrada revisited her career goals and developed a structured job search blueprint with clear daily tasks. She learned how to identify transferable skills and tailor her résumé, cover letter, and applications to specific job opportunities. Each day she researched employers, reviewed job descriptions, and strengthened her materials.

After completing the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) onboarding process, Ms. Estrada was hired as an Office Clerk with East San Gabriel Valley, working 40 hours per week.

For Ms. Estrada, the opportunity represents more than a new job. It marks the beginning of a future she is actively building for herself and her son.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington

By Maria Espinosa, LACOE-CDP Specialist | El Monte Job Services