The first thing one will notice about Stephen is how much he values education. He speaks in phrases like, “Nobody is an island. Nobody has a monopoly on knowledge,” and made it clear that when it comes to his experience at SERJobs, “a quest for advancement and knowledge” is what led him to our CORE Construction program.

Immigrating from Nigeria three years ago, there were many adjustments he had to make. To get a job in the industry he was already skilled in, Stephen needed our help. He came to SER because he needed construction credentials that were valid in America. While he has a prior background in the construction industry, he did go through a learning curve with SER’s program. “I was trained in Nigeria with British Standard, but we don’t use metrics in America. So, you must make a speedy conversion using Fahrenheit against Celsius [for example], but that put me on a platform of opportunity because I can use both now.”

While his main goal was to earn US-relevant construction credentials, Stephen also gained valuable insight into what is normal for an interview in the United States and some best practices that made him stand out as a candidate.

“I must not forget to say that my resume was reorganized here because there is a course in SERJobs on resume build-up and interview readiness. That was wonderful because it helped to put me at a platform of advantage at the interview for the job I have now.”

Our employment services team works individually with our clients to ensure they are fully prepared to search for jobs and make a great impression when hired. Through this process, Stephen found out that “If you can research before coming into the organization, you will show that you are an asset to the organization and that’s the secret I got here, and it worked for me.”

He is currently a service manager with an apartment complex in the Houston area. His job ensures that he oversees many aspects of the facility, “from the landscaping to the architectural look, structural element and the building services of the property.” When asked how he likes his new position, he said, “I love doing what I’m doing. I love the construction industry.”

“There’s no losing. You win, SER wins, society wins.”

Stephen uses his current position and skills to pave a pathway forward, “I want to be a business owner. That is my goal. Whatever I am doing now, I am doing it to build myself to that goal.”

If you are hesitant about SER’s services and how we can help you, Stephen offers this advice, “You need to help yourself for someone to help you. If you need help, you need to make yourself open to help. There’s an African adage that says if a child comes to you– if he does not lift his arms, it is difficult for you to pick him up.”

Working together with our clients, alongside their strengths, is how we lift each other and the greater Houston area. He also reflects on SER’s impact not just on his life but the lives of those around him. “It’s a win, win situation. There’s no losing. You win, SER wins, society wins.”

When asked if there’s anything that he wanted to make sure people knew about him when telling his story, he left us with this final statement: “I am an immigrant who came into this country, but I’ve never allowed my status to define who I am. I see myself as an American, and I move forward.”

The post Stephen’s Story: New Country, New Beginnings appeared first on SERJobs.

“I never saw that coming.”

A common mistake when thinking about individuals in need of additional assistance is assuming that they got to a place of need due to lack of knowledge– or maybe even laziness. Sometimes an individual can do everything “right.” They have the right job, they show up for their employers and their family, they work hard, and yet life still throws them many curveballs.

This is exactly what happened to Douglas Washington. “I was the hospital supply technician,” Washington begins to explain. Right off the bat, there is a sense of tension over this subject. Washington worked at the same hospital in Galveston, TX since 2001. He did his part in saving lives by making sure the hospital was always stocked with the necessary equipment for doctors and nurses to use.

Despite missing “so much time in my oldest daughter’s life because I was always working,” he was happy with his position. A change in management became an unexpected obstacle in Washington’s life path. While we don’t know the entire story, we can speak to how he felt. “They kind of ganged up on me,” he says.

After navigating his newly hostile work environment for a while, Washington eventually came to terms with the fact that it was time to move on. After years of employment, “I never saw that coming,” he tells us.

“I just decided to take a chance and see where this takes me.”

If you ask someone to tell you their story, you often won’t get the full picture. Life is full of subtle nuances that we do not think about as being key components of our “story.” For Douglas Washington, this was scrolling through Facebook.

He came across a SERJobs Facebook post advertising our CORE + Construction program. This two-to-eight week program allows clients to obtain their NCCER and Osha 10 certifications. After going to our website and investigating what we do, Washington “just decided to take a chance and see where this takes me.” Little did he know that this chance would lead him down a path of career advancement as well as personal fulfillment.

While the timeline varies for every client, Washington completed the CORE + Construction program in three weeks. A large component of his time with SER was spent doing on the job training. This is where he discovered that construction is more than just a job.

The Hurricane Harvey news cycle is long behind us, but the devastation it left behind is still painfully present in the Houston community. Through our programming, Washington honed in on his construction skills while helping to rebuild homes damaged by Harvey. “I have a lot of stories about seeing what people have lost, but they see us coming and the look on their faces– they tell us thank you.”

Through helping rebuild homes and rebuilding the livelihood of those in our community, Washington proved to be a diligent and ambitious worker. He told us that he would often “go to the main office and be sent to other places” when his current sites were on hold. Hard work never goes unnoticed.

“They must’ve really liked what I was doing,” he notes when discussing his current employer, “They even went as far as to secure a grant for me.” This grant allowed Washington to join the employer in a full-time capacity.

“I don’t have to have my guard up anymore.”

Since transitioning into his new career path in construction, Washington has found happiness in a job with a workplace culture he finds meaningful. “I don’t have to have my guard up anymore,” he told us when discussing how at peace he felt in his new environment. “One thing I like about them is they take the time to pray every morning,” he finds this change of pace comforting. As the sole caregiver for his two daughters, he notes that this new path has also given him more time to spend with them. Overall, leading to a more fulfilling work-life balance.

When asked what his advice would be to someone interested in going through one of SER’s services, he said: “All you have to do is have a good frame of mind, be willing to learn, and be ready to rebuild someone’s life.” From Washington’s family members to the strangers with homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey, Washington is rebuilding his life and the lives of those around him for the better.

The post “I don’t have to have my guard up anymore.” appeared first on SERJobs.

I want to take the time out to thank you for giving me the opportunity of being a client. SER and your staff have made me feel at home are like a second home to me. The staff is so lovely and is extremely helpful. You could’ve just had met them, and they still will be in your corner finding a way to help you not because it’s their job but because they believe in you. I have so many people to thank, but I will get to that.

SERJobs was brought into my life because I wanted to do something for myself and focus on what made me happy, so I moved to Texas, and initially, I wanted to pursue sales. I interviewed with a sales rep and described the person I wanted to be to make people’s day better and ultimately help them save. I was told the person I described wasn’t a good fit and should pursue entry-level banking. I searched and found a posting on indeed for the BankWork$ program. At first, I thought it was a job until they clarified that it was a training class at the interview. I was nervous about getting in, but I said if I got in, I would put my all into it, do my very best, and not let anything get in my way. I didn’t have a home at the time, so I was staying with a family friend. After speaking with the instructors because they noticed I wasn’t wholly focused, they told me I should only have positive energy around me, so I moved to a cheap hotel nearby, and after that, I was only shining from there. I was determined to prove that I belonged here and that I wouldn’t let the training be a waste. From the first day to the end of class, I wanted to become the person I knew I could be with the proper training. I didn’t have a job, so my career coach helped me work through Workforce Solutions.

I started interning and attending training. When the program finished, I wanted to utilize the skills I mastered in BankWork$, so I decided to apply for the intern position at La Chamba. At the same time, I completed applications and interviewing and used my work setting to prepare me for the bank. I handled the transactions, so I was able to build rapport with my customers along with helping them save and recommend what product would be best for them. With all the different people coming through, SER La Chamba has done a great job preparing me. While interning, I recently was offered and accepted a position for Branch Ambassador for Capital One. I am incredibly excited but overall humble to get the opportunity to land a job at the place I had only dreamed of working at, but to see it come to a reality is fantastic.

I am grateful to have met such wonderful empowering people at SER. Thank Mr. Butler for taking me under his wing, becoming like a second dad to me, and using my talents to steer me in the right direction. Mr. Al Green for helping me in every way he could, along with helping me find the perfect interview suit. Ms. LaCherrion for giving me the resources to help me get an apartment. Ms. Marissa, my career coach, coached me the whole way and helped me become financially stable by working for Workforce Solutions. Ms. Wendy and Ms. Sheroo always have guests for me to network with. Ms. Alicia and Mr. Jonnie are the first people to welcome me. Mr. Jimmy for corresponding with Mr. Butler to ensure I’m being used to the best ability. Mr. Gerald for talking me out of walking out in the storm. Mr. Velez has faith in me and accepts me into the BankWork$ program. My classmates because they encouraged me to keep pushing and becoming like family. Finally, I would like to thank the staff for sharing my passion, memorizing their special orders, and the relationships I built with them while interning at La Chamba.

Sincerely the blossom,

DeMaria Palmer

The post “…after that I was only shining from there.” appeared first on SERJobs.

“I tried to run away from my problems out there.”

Listening to Abel Rosales speak is like walking into a motivational seminar. He is positive and motivated in a way that feels genuine. After listening a bit longer, you come to realize that this genuine outlook on life can only come from years of experience. To really understand the significance of Rosales’ journey after leaving SERJobs, it’s important to go back to the beginning. 

Although currently living in the Houston area, Abel Rosales is originally from California. He was brought up on the west coast by his mother. When talking about his early life, Rosales didn’t say much except, “I tried to run away from my problems out there. I needed a new way to live…” 

Sometimes running away is not enough to make a permanent change in our lives. Rosales found the new landscape in Houston to be challenging. “No car, no luck. I didn’t know how to adapt,” he says while reflecting on his past, “Just McDonalds and Popeyes weren’t working out for me, I wanted something else.”

He knew that he needed to do something to move forward in life, but he did not know what. As Rosales began to discover the career-growth possibilities in the welding industry, life had another plan for him. He was sentenced to fifty-six months in prison after being charged with a drug-related crime. 

“Don’t just take the day pass.” 

After serving his time, Rosales was free and full of ambition but no solid direction to place it in. Overall, “I just really felt a little lost” he says. Interestingly enough, Rosales found SERJobs purely by chance. He came to SER as an excuse to leave his halfway house.  

“My idea was– ‘Oh man, I need a day pass so I can get out of here!’ By me getting that day pass, I really had to stop by the office to get a flyer to show that I actually went to the building so that I wouldn’t get in trouble.” 

Immediately after walking in the door, something clicked for Rosales. “While I was there– I am the type of person that’s always pushing for something better–so, while I was there I saw that they were offering welding classes.” Once he realized SER had real opportunities for him he reevaluated; “So that made me tell myself, ‘Don’t just take the day pass,’ you know?” 

This mentality did not leave Rosales once he began SER’s welding program. He remembers telling himself, “I’m not going to waste my time and I’m not going to waste these people’s time either.” When asked where this ‘go-getter’ mentality comes from, Rosales did not take one second to think about it: “I think I wasted a lot of time and I got in trouble a lot of times, too. I think that– I was just really ready for something different.” As it turns out, Rosales’ past is just what he needed to focus in on his future. 

Ten months after graduating from SER’s welding program with a job, he was laid off. Rosales explains that this is how the industry works. “You’re going to go somewhere and work for six months, 10 months, or a year and then get laid off. Then, you continue.” 

“I love SERJobs. I really thank God that I found this place.” 

So, Rosales does just that; he continues. 

He continues to be an example to those around him through his resolve to push forward. He reminisces over the friends he has had come up to him over the years, wanting to change their lives as he has. The thing about positive influences is that they’re are not always deliberate. Rosales knows that not everyone wants to change. He’s “just trying to do something good” for himself and becoming a role model is the side effect of that. 

He continues to work every day to build a bright future for his two children. He wants to be a positive father figure for his children, because of his upbringing with a single mom. “I’m just trying to do something for my kids that someone didn’t do for me. I want them to know that their dad made some mistakes, but he became someone good,” Rosales tells us. 

Establishing what motivates Rosales and the outcome of his positivity is necessary to properly talk about the journey his life has taken so far, but we were also curious as to what advice he would offer those considering dropping by SERJobs for a helping hand. 

While his advice is specific to potential SER clients, his words resonate with anyone dealing with a hard time. He says, “Things get a little harder before they get better but once they’re good, they’re good. You have to do better than how you’re feeling at the time because I think it’s problems that make people feel like that.” 

We had the opportunity to catch up with Rosales because he came into SER with his wife, in hopes that she can pursue some of SER’s services. He notes that even though he’s been out of our programs for a while, “they still offered to help me and that feels good.” He tells us that knowing he has this support system is what helps him keep pushing forward. “I love SERJobs. I really thank God that I found this place.”

The post “No car, no luck. I didn’t know how to adapt.” appeared first on SERJobs.

February 12th, 1965. While most Houstonians were finalizing Valentine’s Day plans or just trying to avoid the chill of winter, there was something remarkable going on behind the walls of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 60 meeting. Currently, LULAC stands as one of the most respected Hispanic civil rights organizations. But, as history often tells us, people have to think big to build a powerhouse like this.

One of those people is Ernest Eguia.

On that February 12th meeting, Eguia pitched a unique project idea. He wanted to pioneer a program that registers, classifies, and refers Mexican American applicants to industry jobs. Meeting attendees, such as Joe Ramon, championed the idea. While we do not have all of the details on what was said, the fact that the pitch passed unanimously after Council President Roy Martinez called for a vote is telling.

“I didn’t realize there was history in the making.”

After the motion passed, the real work began. LULAC Council 60 had a lot of work to bring this vision to life. During one of the program committee meetings, LULAC National President (1965) Robert Ornelas agreed that the project would be called “LULAC Jobs for Progress.” Eventually, this jobs initiative would gain valuable partnerships with the American GI Forum, Department of Labor, and the Navy and evolve into “Operation SER.”

As the organization came of age, so did its dedicated volunteers. Ernest Eguia began to urge his nephews to participate in LULAC’s work. So, in 1965, David Contreras joined the Junior LULAC Council. Contreras started volunteering in this dedicated Latino space when SER Houston opened at the LULAC Council 60 clubhouse. Due to the Junior council’s focus on culture and social involvement, Contreras says he “… didn’t realize that there was history in the making.”

As Contreras reflects on his time with the Junior Council, he says that at a young age, his father moved their family “…out of the ‘barrio’ and into a predominantly white neighborhood.” So, joining the council was the first time he was genuinely immersed in Latino culture, a cultural shift that ignited a passion for giving back to the Latino community.

After years of working with LULAC through the Junior Council, Contreras participated in a SER job fair in 1970. Contreras still finds himself “especially grateful to SER for the job opportunity” from this event. SER helped him earn a position with Star Motor Car that allowed him to pay for his second year of college at the University of Houston. Contreras majored in Bank Administration and graduated from First City National Bank.

“Not many people that looked like me were in managerial positions.”

After a decade of hard work, Contreras found himself in a groundbreaking position. When Latino corporate officers were scarce, Contreras was elected Vice President of First City Bank. When speaking with Contreras, he highlighted the magnitude of this victory by bringing up his father, “My father was also educated. He had an engineering degree but worked for people without degrees.” Both Contreras and SERJobs are aware of the critical nature behind the word opportunity. So often, people are stuck, not because they are incapable of working hard, but because they haven’t been given a fair chance.

Contreras spent a total of 45 years in the Bank and Operations Technology sphere. Despite retiring in 2016, Contreras remains a fixture in Houston’s Latino community.

For example, Contreras spends time joining the SERJobs team during BankWork$ programs. Participants come to us ready to build a better life for themselves, and Contreras shares his expertise with them. He also serves as a Board Member for Talento Bilingue De Houston, a visual and literary arts initiative that preserves and promotes Latino culture.

Contreras notes that “SER has played a significant role in my life and that of my family.” While Contreras has benefited from his time with SER, SER also has a lot to thank Contreras and his family for. Ernest Eguia ignited a passion for creating excellence within the Latino community. This passion helped LULAC and SER come together to build upon this excellence through workforce advancement.

David Contreras began giving back to the Latino community at a young age and carried on his uncle’s passion and altruism. On top of volunteering with SER and serving as a Board Member for Talento Bilingue De Houston, Contreras also spends his time researching and documenting Latino history and working with LULAC high school youth groups.

When asked what advice Contreras would give to those that feel like they cannot be helped or are hesitant to reach out to SER, he said, “I would encourage them not to feel that way. People go to SER to help identify their skills, talents, and passions.” With a banking background, he also emphasized the importance of our BankWork$ program.

Sometimes, bank teller training is just what you need to reach your goals. “My daughter worked as a teller,” he mentions. Years later, “she has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters in Marketing.” When asked where she is now, he proudly let us know that she is an Executive at HEB.

As Contreras and his family exemplify, the work done at SERJobs goes beyond workforce solutions. From Contreras’ uncle to his daughter, we work to build community, passion and pave the way for a legacy of excellence in Houston’s Latino community.

The post Ambition Paves the Way for Future Generations appeared first on SERJobs.