Erika
Garay
21 years old |
Erika has been in the foster care system since she was
16 years old. A single mother with three children, Erika
dropped out of high school in the ninth grade. Now,
she wants to complete her studies and attain a GED.
Before the SAW Program, Erika had no prior work experience.
The skills she’s acquired during the past six
months will play a key role in her future. Erika is
the only woman to complete the certificated program
and her enthusiasm and determination propelled her to
the top of her class.
During the program, Erika developed a strong work ethic,
always punctual and eager to learn. Her spirit and courage
enabled her to conquer new challenges each day. “There
was nothing in the program that was difficult for me,”
she states “because the L.A. Trade Tech instructors
were always there to help me and show me how to do things
correctly.” Although sometimes discouraged by
heavy lifting, Erika was able to tackle many tasks her
teammates were hesitant to try.
Noting her excellent performance, Community Enhancement
Corporation (CEC) helped create a full-time position
for Erika. She will be working with the Project Manager
at Ruiz Brothers Construction Company
as she continues to assist CEC in rehabilitating affordable
housing.
The SAW Program is an important stepping stone to Erika’s
long-term career plans. Over the next five years, she’ll
support her family and continue to sharpen her new construction
industry skills at Los Angeles-Trade Technical College. |
|
Kaanta
Kelker
19 years old
|
Kaanta
has been in the foster care system all his life. As a
child, he was active in sports, playing football and basketball
in high school and joining local park leagues. Prior to
the SAW Program, Kaanta held several temp jobs. He moved
broilers and furniture, he washed and detailed cars, and
supervised children in a park program.
The construction skills Kaanta obtained from the SAW Program
are invaluable to his future. Enthusiastic about the building
industry, Kaanta will join the Ruiz Brothers Construction
team and will apply his newly acquired skills to Community
Enhancement Corporation’s Neighborhood Revitalization
projects.
Learning to ask for help and work on a team are the two
key lessons Kaanta learned from the SAW Program.
“The actual work was hard and tiring but well worth
the effort,” Kaanta recalls. He says building an
entire room addition was the most gratifying experience.
His skills will allow him to obtain full-time employment
and help him support his grandmother.
In addition to his new construction
job, Kaanta’s future plans are to complete his high
school education and receive his GED. He is just 40 points
from his goal.
He would like to serve in the U.S. Navy and eventually,
own his own business. Kaanta also plans to continue his
education by taking business courses.
|
|
Jamal
Bell
19 years old |
Jamal has been in the foster care system since he was
8 years old. An industrious and community-minded high
school graduate, he has been working since he was 14 and
is intent on continuing to be a productive member of his
community.
Jamal has experience in a variety of fields including
day care and the print industry. One of his more enjoyable
jobs was driving an ice cream truck. For the past year
and a half, Jamal has been employed as a security guard.
On many occasions, Jamal has proved his determination
and desire to succeed by working the night shift, then
taking a bus to make it to his SAW Program class at 7
a.m.
In his spare time, Jamal enjoys working on automobiles,
mechanical and hydraulic systems. The skills that he has
learned in SAW have allowed him to expand his horizons
and explore career options.
The most important thing Jamal has learned from the SAW
program is how to work with others as part of a team.
The SAW Program allowed him to see
the impact an individual can make on a team and a community.
Jamal’s experience in security has sparked an interest
in law enforcement. He wants to continue his education
and become a police officer. He also enjoys working with
children, and wants to participate in Parks and Recreation
Department programs that help children and youth.
|
|
Fabian
Hare
20 years old |
Fabian has been in the foster care system since he was
7 years old. He lives in the Margarita Mendez Apartments,
transitional housing developed and managed by Community
Enhancement Corporation. Fabian is a high school graduate
and was a member of the baseball and football teams.
He enjoys reading, traveling and computers. He pride
himself on being “hi-tech” and is interested
in becoming a chemical engineer or joining the defense
industry as a weapons designer.
Fabian has had prior experience in construction, doing
finishing work and painting. He has also worked as a
cashier at a fabric store.
Through the SAW Program, Fabian has improved his construction
and computer skills. His favorite part of the program
wa working on the computer, using AutoCAD and Architecture.
Fabian credits the SAW Program for helping him upgrade
his skills. He is confident the SAW Program certificate
will enable him to move beyond the entry-level position
he held with the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation
Department. He feels that he has gained responsibility
and the ability to work as part of a team.
Fabian enjoyed working with the instructors and appreciated
how they related to the students. He says SAW has helped
hin become a more sociable person.
He plans to continue his education by taking business
classes to further his experience in construction. He
is hopeful and determined to work hard to achieve a
comfortable and stable life. |
|
