Success Stories from Second Careers Clients

Basanti

In November 2009 I was laid off my job of 6 years. After losing my job I felt very helpless and tried to find something new. Every week I applied to many jobs but didn’t get any response from employers. After several months of looking for job I was having trouble with paying my rents, bills and food for the family. During this time I registered with Work2future and attended their workshops. There I heard about Peninsula Family Service from a friend and contacted them. I registered with their program and they provided me to work at a community center. They also signed me up for free computer classes and paid job trainings. I successfully completed my course. After working at the community center for almost 10 months it was acquired by a private organization and I no longer had a job. Right away the helpful counselors at Peninsula Family Service transferred me to a Goodwill store near my house for training. After working there for almost a year Peninsula Family Service recommended me to be permanent employee at Goodwill. At this point the management at Goodwill was also happy with my performance and decided to hire me permanently.

I thank Peninsula Family Service for dedicating their time to teach me new things to further my career and help me through a rough time in my life. They took time to review my career goals and recommended strategies to achieve my goals.

I also would like to thank Marie, Grace and Ramona to help me connect with others in your network. Without your help I would not be where I am today.

Carl*

In the Summer of 2011, having fell from grace, I was broke and without income. A roommate told me about Peninsula Family Service arranging part-time work for the elderly. I was seventy.

The staff at Peninsula Family Service were very professional and competent. Felicia was very efficient interviewing and determining my eligibility and enrolling me in their system. She conducted follow-ups to explain other benefits I may consider. Brenda was very helpful and effective finding an excellent agency for my employment—Job Train. I worked for about a year part-time as an enrollment and intake specialist.

In March 2012, Work Force Investment funds became available to Job Train for vocational training for dislocated workers and long term unemployed people. They needed someone to administer the grant and program. They retained me! I have the assignment until December 2012.  It appears that additional funds will be available for next year, and I have been asked to remain and work with those funds.

The work here is most rewarding. I actually see most people really get dream jobs after completing their vocational training!

I appreciate the superb effectiveness of Peninsular Family Service in helping me to acquire full-time employment. I was truly “down and out”; they provided a “leg-up”!

*Name has been changed for privacy