Before joining Homeboy Industries, Damon faced incarceration, re-adjustment to society, unemployment, and lack of education. With the help of LA:RISE and Homeboy, Damon obtained his GED, and completed the required training for certification in CPR, Forklift, DOT OSHA, and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

Damon learned about Homeboy Industries from a friend. At Homeboy, Damon found people just like him, struggling with similar issues and coming from similar backgrounds. The support he found in this non-judgmental environment helped him remain with the program as he worked to develop skills to be responsible, motivated, patient, and follow through on his goals.

Damon says, “Homeboy prepared me to be on task, to present better communication skills, and to be confident in my decisions. The work, the employment, and the educational opportunities, have helped me get the experience and the certifications I need to get into the carpenters union.”

Damon is most proud of his GED and training completions. He is currently working full-time at Lawrence Hovenier, Inc. as a hardware and safety apprentice—where he receives benefits plus overtime pay equaling $26 an hour. Looking ahead, Damon plans to become a foreman in a construction company. Due to programs like LA:RISE, people like Damon are given second chances and also avoid the consequences of being homeless when dealing with high-barriers to employment.

At a crucial time in her life, Denise was facing financial hardship. Dealing with the loss of her father and brother sent her into a downward spiral where she felt unmotivated and emotionally unable to cope with daily living. A member of the community told her about the Coalition Responsible for Community Development (CRCD) and its jobs program. Partnering with LA RISE. CRCD offers a roster of support programs for job seekers as well as an alternative high school program where young people can earn the credits they need to achieve their high school diploma.

Denise completed her application and interviewed for a position as a driver. She learned that to qualify, she would need her high school diploma. Joe Gamez, Vice President of CRCD Enterprises mentored Denise and encouraged her to get her diploma with CRCD. She enrolled with CRCD Academy and LA RISE. Denise graduated from CRCD Academy, received her high school diploma and went on to complete 300 hours of work with CRCD where she performed graffiti abatement and worked as a CRCD Enterprise office receptionist.

As Denise says, “My goal was to become the first female driver for CRCD Enterprises. I’ve taken a lot of steps to get to this point and I’m determined to see my dream become a reality.”

With her diploma in hand, Denise reapplied for the position of bus driver. In Denise’s interview we saw that she embodied the CRCD Enterprises mission statement, “Changing Lives, One Job at a Time.” She was driven by her past to accomplish the tasks before her. According to Denise, she is “committed to giving back by mentoring, by speaking my truth, and bringing light to someone else’s struggling path.”

We are happy to report that Denise got the job, and reached her goal. She is now the first female driver for the Graffiti Abatement Division for the City of Los Angeles Office of Community Beautification. Through Denise’s hard work, perseverance, and dedication she has paved the way for future female drivers.

Working at the social enterprise New Earth has given Erik the tools and experience he needs to feel prepared for his future. Erik enrolled in the LA:RISE program when his family faced financial challenges, including the possibility of homelessness, and he was unable to find a job to support his mom.

As a camera operator at New Earth, Erik has gained confidence and is proud of his hard work and dedication to the program. Now, he is excited for his future and a career that will provide self-sufficiency.

Prior to joining the LA:RISE 3.0 City Conservation Corps program Esperanza was facing legal problems that she said, were “overwhelming.” Thanks to a cousin, Esperanza learned of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, just as she was at risk of experiencing homelessness. As a Corpsmember, Esperanza joined a crew of young people who remove trash from neglected streets and alleys, clean up graffiti, and plant trees to beautify communities.

During the eight-week-long program Esperanza was able to establish and pursue life and career goals, and gain the skills necessary to become self-sufficient. Thanks to the support services provided by LA Conservation Corps, including referrals for housing, academic advising, transportation, health care, legal services, and financial support, as well as the Life Skills program that introduces participants to work readiness and financial literacy, Esperanza was able to complete the coursework to achieve all the credits she needed to earn her high school diploma.

Asked about her favorite parts of the program, Esperanza mentions “all the opportunities and services LA Conservation Corp provided, which has helped me become more independent and prepared for the future.” As she looks toward the future Esperanza is excited about having a home to call her own, and pursuing a career.

Motivated to provide for her family – and eager to rejoin the workforce after many years of unemployment – Glasha completed Chrysalis’ job readiness program and was referred to Chrysalis Staffing, a social enterprise that places clients into temporary and temporary-to-permanent positions with more than 190 businesses throughout L.A. and Orange Counties. Just a few short months later, Glasha was working, earning a paycheck, and on her way to securing permanent employment.

When she wasn’t at work, Glasha worked closely with her Employment Specialist at Chrysalis on her job search. Before long, she was connected to a full-time Community Health Program Representative position at UC Irvine through Chrysalis’ Direct Hire program – a division of Chrysalis Staffing – and she got the job!

In December 2018, Glasha rang the Success Bell at Chrysalis and shared the good news in front of an audience of Chrysalis staff, volunteers, and clients. After sharing her excitement about being able to take care of her family and develop professionally in her new career, Glasha encouraged fellow clients to be positive and proactive throughout their job searches.

Jennifer was eager to earn a living and provide a good life for her three children, but with a criminal record she struggled to find a job. Despite applying for multiple opportunities, she was continuously turned down after the background check. With no secure job or steady income, Jennifer and her children experienced homelessness and lived at a local rescue mission for several months before going from family member to family member sleeping on couches.

Jennifer was devastated that she couldn’t provide a steady home for her family. She was determined to create a better future for her boys and overcome her past. Jennifer signed up for GAIN’s TSE program and was soon connected to LA:RISE partner Center for Living & Learning (CLL). She began working with CLL and loved it.

“It was the first time in a very long time that I did not feel judged,” says Jennifer. “I was able to see that there were people just like me, who began the same way I did, and were now doing things with their lives.”

She began working at Center for Living & Learning’s Call Center before training as a Community Health Worker to assist people who were facing the same barriers she had encountered. Through the training, Jennifer soon uncovered a passion for helping others overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. She was offered a role as a permanent employee at Center for Living and Learning and hopes to one day go back to school to pursue a degree in social work. With the help of LA:RISE’s program, Jennifer is now creating the life she imagined for her family and providing a home they can call their own.

“My entire family dynamics are so different now,” says Jennifer. “It has been fulfilling and rewarding to see my children happy and able to be kids again without worrying about where they will be sleeping tomorrow. For the first time in a very long time, I am excited about what the future will bring for me and my sons”

Working at the social enterprise Chrysalis Roads put Justin a path to building a better future for himself and his family – and now he is paying it forward. Shortly after being released from prison, Justin enrolled in the LA:RISE program because he was determined to build a future that was not predicated on his past.

After completing Chrysalis’ job readiness program and the Convictions & The Job Search class, Justin joined Chrysalis Roads and began working on freeway maintenance projects. In no time, Justin’s dedication was recognized by his supervisors and he was hired as a full-time staff member.

Reflecting on his time in the LA:RISE program, Justin says, “When I came in as a client, my outlook on life was very dim. I didn’t believe in myself, I didn’t have a whole lot of hope, and Chrysalis gave that to me.” Today, Justin supervises Chrysalis Roads crews and helps participants gain that same confidence.

Prior to joining LA:RISE via Downtown Women’s Center (DWC), Lavena struggled with housing and re-entering the workforce. She first learned of DWC via 211 LA, the central source for providing information and referrals for all health and human services in LA County.

As part of the paid transitional employment program, Lavena was most excited about earning a check through the work she was doing at DWC. The bonus was she was able to also share and sell her handbags simultaneously.

Her experience with LA:RISE has allowed her to build her professionalism, market herself and her product. Lavena shares that DWC has given her confidence back and is prepared to re-enter the workforce. Her work has expanded and is growing since being part of LA:RISE.  Her handbags are now officially sold at MADE by DWC and online.

What Lavena appreciates the most about being a program participant of LA:RISE is the wrap around services and support she receives from DWC to support her dreams.

She is more importantly working on her financial independence and working part-time as she continues to create her bags. Lavena has been featured at the MOCA Museum and her handbags were featured on Main Museum in November 2018, where she along with 30 other artists had their work displayed.

Working at YWCA’s Digital Learning Academy (DLA) put Marnella on the path to self-sufficiency and allowed her to pursue her passion. When Marnella enrolled in the LA:RISE program, she was struggling to find housing and faced homelessness. Even though she was in school and working part-time as a security officer, she was not given enough work hours to pay her rent.

Working at DLA allowed Marnella to pursue her interest in graphic design and provided her with the structure and confidence she needed to advance in her job. As a result of her growth while enrolled in LA:RISE, Marnella was offered a full-time security officer position and a salary increase. In addition to that full-time job, she also is pursuing her passion and doing freelance design work.

Raymond is building a better future with the help of LA:RISE partner, Goodwill Southern California. Prior to joining Goodwill Southern California’s program, he was struggling to overcome self-doubt brought on by multiple challenges he was facing, including being at-risk of being homeless, a limited work history, and limited education. He was working to find the confidence and motivation to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but had no support system to help him accomplish his goals.

Raymond learned about Goodwill Southern California and LA:RISE through Mrs.Yvette Hernandez, a Special Project Coordinator. She was able to provide him with a referral and guide him through the enrollment process. Through Goodwill Southern California and LA:RISE, Raymond has found the support system he was seeking. He’s been able to thrive in a safe environment where he’s not only gained valuable work experience, but also strengthened his social wellness. He’s learned valuable transitional skills that have allowed him to gain a greater sense of self. Determined to build his work experience, Raymond has seized new training opportunities including Goodwill Southern California’s soft-skills Leadership Academy and a three week National Retail Federation class. He also completed 300 hours of work experience at a Goodwill store location, where he successfully transitioned classroom theory into workforce practice.

Raymond’s hard work and determination are paying off. He’s been promoted from LA:RISE trainee participant to full-time Goodwill Southern California employee where he serves as retail store associate.  He is extremely appreciative of the promotion, as well as the training provided by LA:RISE. He feels more prepared than ever to navigate past barriers that have often resulted in loses for him. Raymond says he’s excited about his future employment opportunities, and hopes to continue to embrace an “honest day’s work.”

LA:RISE program graduate Robert is taking the skills he built while working at an employment social enterprise and paying it forward. Robert learned about the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) from LA:RISE partner the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.

Robert joined CEO with the hopes of gaining new skills that would not only help him find a job and avoid homelessness, but also allow him to pursue a career. Today, Robert is a Peer Navigator at CEO, helping others gain the valuable job skills and work experience needed to pursue their own careers.