When Mrs. Hernandez was first referred to our office, she was overwhelmed by grief. Her daughter had been removed from her home, and she struggled to see a way forward. Through tears, she shared that the only thing she knew for certain was this: she needed to find a job to get her daughter back.

Understanding the depth of her pain, her Career Development Program Specialist connected her with on-site supportive services, resulting in a referral to counseling and family services. Mrs. Hernandez accepted the help and began the healing process, knowing that rebuilding her life would take courage, time, and support.

A few months later, she returned determined and ready to focus on employment as part of her reunification plan. She expressed a willingness to take an entry-level position, ideally close to home, since she relied on public transportation.

During the Individual Job Search Plan (IJSP) workshop, Mrs. Hernandez learned how to present herself to employers and created a tailored list of nearby job opportunities. With prior experience in fast food, she was offered a voucher to complete her Food Handler Certificate online, and she completed it the same day.

Fueled by purpose and a clear plan, she began her job search. Within just one week, Mrs. Hernandez was hired at BJ’s Restaurant, earning $19.00 an hour. Ms. Hernandez’s journey reminds us that employment can be more than a paycheck; it can be a pathway to restoration, healing, and hope for the future.

by Maria Espinosa, Career Development Program Specialist