KRA Customers Anticipate A Happy Prosperous New Year
Their stories could not be more different, in origin, but more similar in the trusted end-results achieved through the KRA San Diego Metro Career Centers, operated for the San Diego Workforce Partnership.
Deborah Fernandez was a perfect candidate for the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program—after a job lay-off. She had a steady employment history—20+ years’ professional experience with higher-education institutions, plus 15 years as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman.
Christopher Johnson, on the other hand, was a perfect candidate for the New Beginnings Pathways to Employment Program—after serving 28 years of a 45-year prison sentence, and a first-time Parole Board Hearing that granted his release in January 2017.
For obviously different reasons, both customers needed to develop skills related to effective job-producing results. However, with Individual Employment Plans (IEP) developed with their Career Agents, each received exactly the right set of innovative services for success.
A single roadblock, on Deborah’s successful career path, had resulted in feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, and “panicked about finding employment quickly [as her] UI benefits were running out”, she enrolled at the KRA South Metro Career Center, and met with Lisa Fuller, on October 11, 2017.
Lisa coordinated Deborah’s IEP activities—including coaching and guidance from KRA San Diego Job-Readiness Workshop and Computer Resource Lab Facilitators, as well as Veterans Services Representative Kevin Hansen. End result? On her own initiative, Deborah applied to AppleOne Employment Services, and began working for Alliant International University as a Student Contact Center Representative on November 20, 2017!
Christopher’s IEP was more encompassing, starting with New Beginnings’ sessions led by his Career Agent Catherine McLean, and Program co-developer, Workshop Facilitator Terrance Bowen. In addition, Catherine arranged for a wide range of Supportive Services, including free bus passes to offset transportation costs, and gift cards to purchase work shoes.
Moreover, she coordinated targeted referrals to HealthRIGHT 360 for post-incarceration rehabilitative services, CalFresh for SNAP benefits, and Goodwill Industries for work clothes. End result? Christopher received a job offer from the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, starting as a Busser on May 5, 2017, and since then receiving two promotions up to Food Server!
Highlights of Christopher’s transition include that of Guest Speaker at the November meeting of the San Diego Reentry Roundtable of which KRA San Diego is an active member-partner, and a detailed SDWP News Article on his remarkable story.
KRA wishes Deborah, Christopher, and all our Career and Business Services customers a Happy, Prosperous, and Safe 2018!
