NFJP | SER

NFJP of Santa Maria Success Story: Pablo Pantoja

admin — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:58:41 +0000

Pablo Pantoja, a 22-year-old with a passion for cutting hair, is the proud son of Mexican immigrants who have worked in agriculture since arriving in the United States. From a young age, Pablo enjoyed cutting hair and often practiced on his relatives. Despite his growing passion, the dream of becoming a professional barber seemed unattainable due to financial constraints.

In 2021, Pablo’s prospects changed dramatically when he discovered the National Farmworker Jobs Program. With their support, he enrolled in the Cosmoton Barber Academy, with the program covering his $17,000 tuition. His journey wasn’t without challenges. During his second year, personal issues threatened his attendance, but his dedicated case manager provided the encouragement he needed to stay on track.

On February 20, 2024, Pablo proudly graduated from Cosmoton Barber Academy. He is now diligently studying to take his California state exam to become a licensed barber. This program granted him an invaluable opportunity that he could never have afforded on his own. Determined to honor the investment SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc. in Santa Maria made in him, Pablo worked hard and never gave up.

Pablo extends his heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff at the Santa Maria office. Their support and belief in him have turned his dream into reality. Now, he is ready to embark on his career as a professional barber, a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of the National Farmworker Jobs Program.

Housing Resident & NFJP Participant Success Story: Manuel Morales

admin — Wed, 01 May 2024 04:22:38 +0000

Manuel Morales recently celebrated a significant milestone by sharing snapshots from his first day on the job as a licensed truck driver, a dream turned reality thanks to his hard work and determination. Through the National Farmworkers Program offered by Ser-Jobs for Progress, Manuel embarked on a journey to earn his Truck Driving Class A License, successfully passing the exam and setting the stage for an exciting career ahead.

This achievement is more than just a professional victory for Manuel; it marks a crucial step towards his ultimate goal of homeownership, bringing him one step closer to securing a bright and stable future for himself and potentially his family. Manuel’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and the transformative impact of targeted support and training programs.

Imperial’s NFJP Success Story: Estefanía De Lira

admin — Wed, 01 May 2024 04:14:06 +0000

Estefania De Lira’s story of achieving three degrees from Imperial Valley College underscores her unwavering commitment to her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse, reflecting her deep-seated desire to contribute positively to her community’s health. Her educational journey, marked by resilience and hard work, prepared her for the challenges that lay ahead in her nursing career. Facing the TEAS exam, a crucial hurdle in her path, Estefania found invaluable support through the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP). This program equipped her with essential job readiness skills, including resume writing and interview preparation, boosting her confidence and aligning her career aspirations with her personal goals.

Securing a position as a Front Desk Clerk at Pioneer Memorial Hospital marked a significant milestone in Estefania’s journey, bringing her one step closer to her nursing dreams. This role was more than a job; it was an opportunity to balance her career ambitions with her educational pursuits, highlighting the importance of perseverance and targeted assistance. Estefania’s experience is a testament to the transformative impact of supportive programs like NFJP, which play a crucial role in helping individuals like her navigate their career paths and achieve their professional and personal growth aspirations.