When Denise joined the Focus 360 class in East LA, she brought with her the weight of uncertainty. After losing her job at Goodwill in 2024 due to downsizing and budget cuts, Denise felt discouraged. She had enjoyed being part of a team and helping others, so the unexpected layoff left her questioning what would come next.

But Denise refused to give up.

Determined to find a job for herself and her family, she threw herself into the Focus 360 program. With the support of her facilitator, she crafted a new resume, practiced her interview skills, and reignited her motivation. Her facilitator became the coach she needed, pushing her to keep going, even when it felt hard.

Denise approached her job search with fierce determination. She applied to dozens of positions, made follow-up calls, and treated her job hunt like a full-time commitment. Her dedication soon paid off.

On May 15th, Denise received a call from Food 4 Less offering her a position at $17.58 per hour. She was thrilled, not just for the income, but for the opportunity to be part of a team again and the hope for a better future.

Now employed and thriving, Denise has regained more than just a paycheck; she has rediscovered her confidence and belief in what is possible.

by Dalila Herrera Abaid – LACOE CDP Specialist