Hello, my name is Esvin B. I’m 29, and the oldest of two. Growing up, I never had a stable home. We would move from friends’ houses to womens’ shelters to sometimes living out the car. I remember once I even attended school for only ONE DAY and moved the next. It wasn’t until high school that my family became more stable. I graduated top in my class in 2010 from Westfield High School and worked the minute I graduated. I guess because of lack of stability growing up my dream has always been to buy a place I could call home, for not only myself but my family.

In 2020, during the pandemic, keeping money coming in was difficult because my job wasn’t considered essential work. In 2021, I got sick and was out of work the whole year. Luckily, I did have savings and a stimulus to help with necessities. It was during this time that I came across SERJobs online. I was looking for work I could apply to and saw this website. I clicked it and saw that they offered classes and coaching for free. I almost thought it was a trick but I took a chance and was happy to see it was real, not only real but very VERY productive.

The coaches, the instructors, the class structure were all amazing! I was able to learn and make connections that I otherwise would not have been able to have. I am very grateful for what SERJobs provided, and I thank God every day for putting that link in my path.

Even before I graduated I had sent out applications to multiple banks so it was easy to continue with the process after I graduated. I also felt more prepared for all the interviews I had and even more excited with every call I got back.

Currently I am gearing up to start work in my new career at Bank of America in February 2022, and I can’t wait to see how much more I grow and learn in the process. With my new career and support from SERJobs, I know I will achieve that dream I had as a child and have my forever home.

Remember failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue… that’s what’s important – to take chances and to try again if at first you don’t succeed.

Soon after graduating, Esvin expressed interest in meeting with a financial coach to work on his financial goals, including creating a budget and balance sheet, as well as learning ways to build his credit.

SER staff looks forward to learning of Esvin’s future endeavors and celebrating all his successes!

The post Esvin’s Story: Realizing His Dream appeared first on SERJobs.

Shortly after he completed the training in late 2021, Kenneth received a job offer from SERJobs’ employer partner, APH Logistics LLC, as a freight broker agent. Kenneth is showing great progress and is earning double his salary as a tow-truck driver. Kenneth did have his reservations – switching careers requires a lot of thought and effort – not to mention bravery! (A freight broker is a logistics specialist who helps find a carrier for a company’s load, brokers deals with shippers, and helps plan the finite details of a shipment.) Kenneth was excited about starting a new career and determined to make a smooth transition into a new world of working directly with a customer base while brokering loads.

According to APH Logistics, Kenneth is making great progress. He has changed his appearance by coming to work dressed like a business professional. Kenneth is always on time and is being crossed-trained on how to dispatch and freight broker at the same time. Mr. Hinton, the owner of APH Logistics, has taken Kenneth under his wing and is mentoring him into becoming a great Logistics professional. Kenneth’s only regret – not getting into freight brokering earlier!

According to Kenneth:

“I’m so glad I took the class at SER. I learned things I never knew – it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was great!

I see my future with APH for a long time. I learned so much from SERJobs and my new employer, APH!”

The post Kenneth’s Story: Charting a New Career appeared first on SERJobs.

“Today, I understand the role I play as the older brother of seven,” said Julian, “if you asked me that a few months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to express what that looked like or meant to me.”

Julian M., who was raised by a single mother, hurtled through many hardships as he took turns establishing his childhood between San Antonio and Houston, Texas.

“As a young child, I didn’t feel like I had a set path for myself,” said Julian, “lacking a father figure, I longed for stability and I tried to find comfort in the people around me; the people I called “friends” at the time, didn’t help to steer me in the right direction.

“Without even really noticing it, going back and forth between cities really had a negative impact on me.”

“The only thing I knew for certain about school was that I’d been to six different high schools between the two cities,” said Julian, “I was a good student, but my attendance and interest started to wane when I took after the wrong crowd. I was 16 then.”

“I often found myself struggling on the other side of the law,” said Julian, “I was lost in the depths of my consciousness fighting against drugs and many other bad influences. I got into activities that weren’t too favorable for a 16-year-old.”

“But my mom helped me through. She’s my rock and the push I needed. Even when I couldn’t recognize myself, she helped me find the will I had buried deep within me to go on.”

As a younger brother began to emulate him, Julian realized that he was the role model his brothers and sisters looked up to. And, upon that realization, Julian decided to turn his life around.

“When we got the opportunity to move to Houston, I saw that it was my chance,” said Julian, “and I cut off ties with the “friends” that weren’t taking me anywhere. Being in Houston offered me a chance. I felt that I was finally going to be around the right people. That’s when I found SER.” Upon discovering SER, Julian immediately enrolled in SER services with his mom’s full support and encouragement.

Julian joined YouthBuild Houston, which is a GED program that SER offers the community’s youth (17-24 year-olds) who have dropped out of school. Students can earn their GED while gaining skills in construction, earning a stipend and helping to rebuild and repair housing in low-income communities.

When asked about his hunger for change and the drive to join the program, Julian said, “I wanted to finish high school. I think it meant a great deal for me to see this opportunity through for the sake of my brothers and sisters. Taking that first step and opening myself up to what’s out there really changed my outlook on my role as a brother.

“I wanted to do right by them, be the ‘inspirational big brother’ that I realized I could be. So I began to change the way I talked around them. That’s what the program offered me.” “It was a great experience, I was excited. I felt like the schools I went to before didn’t care whether or not I graduated,” said Julian, “they were just getting kids in and out the door. I’ve been to many schools, and I know this experience was different. “I found my mentors here, they made me feel… like they cared. Mr. Sweeney, Mr. Green, Ms. Bennett, Ms. Zully, and Mr. Lee took it upon themselves to reach out and make sure I didn’t give up on myself until I saw this program through.”

“It’s amazing!” said Julian, “I have this new found confidence in school. There is friendly competition here, it’s something great because we lift each other up.”

“Before SER I remember just wanting to get by,” said Julian, “afterward, I’m thinking what’s next?” Julian has obtained employment and looks forward to life! Julian feels he found himself and his potential through his SER experience and has advice for others his age who are struggling, not knowing what to do with their lives.

“I would definitely say to give SER a shot, it will take you beyond the mentality of just getting by,” said Julian, “I feel like SER opened so many doors for me. Look at me, I did it!

“I would tell others to get it done now. You can get it as fast as you want it, let your drive and the SER team take you forward.” “I’ve learned a lot, being here,” said Julian, “and I can say I walked away with mentors, peers, and a vision for myself down the road.”

We’re excited to be a part of Julian’s journey, which Union Pacific helped make possible!

The post Julian’s Story: Stepping Up to Inspire appeared first on SERJobs.

KJ’s family family moved to Humble during his middle school years, but he dropped out of high school when he was a sophomore.

“I just got tired of school,” said KJ, “and deep down I didn’t feel like it was preparing me for success.”

Although he obtained his GED right away, success continued to elude KJ, and he found himself making bad decisions.

In 1999, KJ was charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to prison, where he remained for almost eighteen years (from 12/20/99 to 8/23/2017). As difficult as it was, during that time, KJ made a conscious decision to turn his incarceration into a learning experience.

“I don’t want to glorify incarceration or my hardships, but I had to learn from them.” said KJ, “I used my incarceration as an educational experience. It helped heal me and taught me I am in control of doing right.”

During his time behind bars, KJ knew he needed a plan so that he could succeed when released. He always loved truck driving and wanted to eventually obtain his CDL.

“I developed the drive to succeed while I was locked up,” said KJ, “I went to college while there to keep my mind fresh. I asked myself what I could do to make my life better. And, I knew I had to have a plan.”

SERJobs works with Harris County Jail and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for outreach and recruitment of individuals who are scheduled for release.

“When I got out, I had already heard about SER’s reentry program and I called to found out about their CDL class.” said KJ, “I was accepted right away and went through the class in 6 weeks, got my license, and 5 days later I got a job with a company that hires felons. I wanted to get the time and experience. It was a stepping stone for me. I learned a lot from them and how to be a better employee.”

Now, KJ has a new job in Idaho for one of the best companies in the country. The financial education and coaching services he received have allowed him to begin thinking about building wealth.

“I am very appreciative of what SER did for me.” Said KJ, “They helped me get my TWIC card, clothes, and other support to make it through tough times. SER was really there. Eventually I want to own my own trucking business, now that I’ve learned so much and have the opportunity. I am really grateful. I didn’t let anyone tell me what I can and cannot do. After being incarcerated for so long, I’m ready to travel. Now I’m hitting the road. If people need to get in touch they can call me in my office – my truck!”

The post KJ’s Story: Employed + Empowered appeared first on SERJobs.

Within a few days of meeting SER staff, Michelle enrolled in CDL training. An outstanding student, Michelle applied herself to the course, quickly obtained her CDL, and found employment at the Houston Food Bank.

Michelle often made time for appointments with her SER career coach and financial coach. She keeps SER staff apprised of her progress, stating that she is doing very well and looking forward to advancing there once she has reached a year of employment. Michelle stated that she is very well liked at the job and often makes attempts to offer a helping hand to coworkers once she completes her route. She has also related that she has been able to mend broken relationships with family members, and they are now active in each others’ lives. Michelle expressed to staff that she is very grateful to SER and all they have helped her to accomplish. She has also related her gratitude for SER staff’s encouraging words when she was ready to give up.

Since obtaining employment, Michelle has ask her probation officer to refer his female clients looking for a second chances to SER for services. She also informed SER that she has completed 2 years of probation and has 3 years left. Michelle recently wrote the Texas Parole Board requesting early release due to being a productive citizen. She will update her career coach with the result of her request.

Since obtaining employment at the Houston Food Bank, Michelle has moved in to her own apartment and is committed to making sure she keeps making concrete steps to better her life. Michelle would like to purchase a home in the future and is currently paying on her debt to make sure her credit improves. Michelle stated that she received all the stimulus packages and is saving it for her future.

Eventually, Michelle would love to start her own company. She has been in talks with her credit union regarding purchasing a truck to get her own business started – an all-women’s driving company.

The post Michelle’s Story: Second Chances Start Here appeared first on SERJobs.

As a child living in Nepal, Namita heard stories of life and opportunities in the United States and dreamed of living here. When her dad was offered a job in this country, they were thrilled to move to Houston. Because Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-linguistic country, Namita spoke English and was able to assimilate fairly easily. One thing that scared Namita was interviewing for a job. When Namita turned 18, she needed to go work but felt anxious about the entire process. Her teacher at Wisdom High School thought SER’s Summer Jobs program would be a great starting point for Namita.

SER’s Summer Jobs program places youth and young adults between the ages of 16-24 in 4 – 7 weeks of paid work experience/internship positions at local businesses and non-profit organizations, while providing support, guidance, resources, and other services.

Namita arrived at SER not knowing what to expect but excited about the possibilities. She enrolled in the program and received job readiness training and help with her resume. Then SER helped Namita obtain a position with the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunities.

“I didn’t know much about jobs or working,” Namita stated, “but everything was set up in a way that made it so easy to get a job. My experience at the City of Houston was great; that’s why I kept coming back to SER every summer to take part in their summer jobs program.”

After her internship, Namita went to college at the University of Houston. Over the next four years, Namita kept returning to SERJobs for summer employment.

“I was pursuing Accounting as my major, so my second summer at SER, I went to work at the Menil Collection in their accounting department,” said Namita, “my third summer I was able to work at Bank of America.”

That experience changed the direction of Namita’s career plans.

“I graduated in May of 2020,” said Namita, “and though I majored in General Business Management, I was interested in exploring the field of finance and banking. I really liked the environment at Bank of America.”

Immediately after graduating, Namita began applying for full-time work. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and no one seemed to be hiring. So, Namita returned to SER.

“SER helped me get a part-time position at Old Navy, Meyerland, until I could find something permanent, hopefully at a bank,” said Namita, “I follow SER on Facebook and knew they had a banking
training. I worked with my career coach, Manny, who helped me apply and arranged an interview with the training instructor.”

Namita landed a spot in the final banking training class of 2020.

“In class, I learned so much about finance and a lot of banking basics – literally everything I needed to know about retail banking,” said Namita, “the instructors shared their experiences and even stayed after class to answer questions and even help prepare us for interviews. The class was very interactive with mock interviews and role playing. I learned my strengths and weaknesses, so I was very prepared to interview for a job.”

During the training, Namita and her classmates were able to virtually meet and converse with representatives from SER’s myriad of banking partners, including Celia Lopez with Capital One.

“Building that network in the banking industry was one of the best things about the training,” said Namita, “I must have impressed one of the banking reps because they asked if I would be interested in interviewing with them. My interview went well and I was able to show my knowledge. I was already using banking terms, so they could see I knew what I was talking about.”

The interview must have gone very well because Namita received an offer for employment before the training ended!

Now Namita’s career dreams are being fulfilled! She works in a personal banker hybrid role where she opens accounts, acts as teller, and even has sales goals.

“I’m having fun,” said Namita, “I really enjoy my job. I am personally into management, so I’d like to go further, possibly as a Client Experience Manager.”

“I feel so lucky that I found SER; they really helped me,” said Namita, “I’m still young and deciding on my future – maybe I’ll eventually get my MBA – but for now, I plan to be at my job for a long time.”

Namita’s career coach Emmanuel E. states, “We are all so very proud of the work that Namita has done with SER over the past few years! It’s been such a pleasure having her be a part of our SER family and we cannot wait for her continued successes!”

We’re excited to be a part of Namita’s journey, which was made possible by Capital One and SER’s other Banking Training partners.

The post Namita’s Story: Finding Financial Stability appeared first on SERJobs.

Maria had experienced personal challenges, dropped out of high school, and was in dire need of resources to turn her circumstances around. So, she enrolled in YouthBuild that very day.

“I loved it from the first day,” said Maria, “YouthBuild helped me overcome my shyness and step out of my comfort zone.”

Maria was a hard worker. She studied hard and quickly obtained her GED.

“The GED classes were so easy for me – I was surprised,” said Maria, “and thanks to my coach and instructor, I got high scores.”

After that, Maria worked closely with her coach to find a job. In the meantime, she was referred to La Chamba Café + Careers for an internship. In 2018, SER established La Chamba Café + Careers, a social enterprise founded to blend the social mission of SER with the market-driven approach of a business. La Chamba was created as a platform to hire and develop young leaders, providing them with the skills and experience to prepare them for the workforce. Including communication, customer service, conflict resolution, professional dress, business etiquette, salary negotiation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and the ability to function well within a workplace environment.

“I went to work at La Chamba and fell in love with it,” said Maria, “it did not take long before I was promoted to café lead.”

After a few months, Maria was offered another job opportunity that she felt would further her career.

“I was offered another job with higher pay and new opportunities,” said Maria, “but that did not work out for me.”

During that time, the manager of La Chamba resigned. SER staff appreciated Maria and all her hard work while there; she was the first one they thought of taking over the reins. So, when the staff reached Maria with the new job offer, she was thrilled.

“I came back to La Chamba in late 2020 as Café Manager and am so happy,” said Maria. “I see myself eventually owning my own business – maybe even a coffee shop – and I could never have accomplished so much without SER and YouthBuild.”

The post Maria’s Story: Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone appeared first on SERJobs.

The post Maria’s Story: The Opportunity of a Lifetime appeared first on SERJobs.

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.

Born and raised in west Houston with his mom, four brothers, and one sister, Basilio had to become the “father figure” at an early age.

“When I was seven, my father left us,” said Basilio, “and when I was 13, I had to start working in a restaurant as a dishwasher to help support my family.”

Always a hard worker, Basilio managed to do well in school, play on the wrestling team, and go to work every day.

“In middle school, my schedule was full. I had wrestling practice in the morning, then school, work, and then home,” said Basilio, “I had to work to support my family. And, I managed to do that for years, without much sleep.”

Once Basilio got to high school, his family needed him to step up even more.

“I dropped out after freshman year to work more,” said Basilio, “my mom asked me to quit school so I could make more money. As the oldest son I had to take that parent role and it was up to me to help provide for the family.”

By age 16, Basilio was working two jobs. He continued to work in the restaurant and got a second job in construction. But, after a while, things began to go downhill for him.

“It was when I dropped out that my life started going downwards,” said Basilio, “I got addicted to pills and started smoking marijuana and drinking a lot. That lasted for almost a whole year.”

Because of all the stress and anxiety he felt, Basilio gave up on working and gave in to his addictions. His mom kicked him out of the house.

“I had nowhere to go so I was staying at abandoned apartments, sometimes with friends sometimes by myself, and that’s when I was lucky,” said Basilio, “when I couldn’t find an apartment to stay in, I slept on park benches – where ever I could find a spot to catch some sleep. I started making contacts in the drug trade and looking for ways to make easy money. I was depressed and tired of everything.”

Basilio was at an all-time low. He began selling drugs.

“After a short time of dealing, I was caught and sentenced to three years,” said Basilio, “but since I had a clean record they gave me a good deal: five months’ detention, then an ankle monitor and one year probation. After completing detention, I could go back to live with my mom and siblings.”

“During those five months, I started thinking so hard about my life: What am I doing? Where is this taking me?” said Basilio, “then I started thinking about what my goals were. I started setting goals, and when I got out I knew I would achieve my goals.”

“I set five goals: #1 – get my diploma or GED; #2 – change my ways with drugs; #3 – prove that I can become somebody; #4 – become the role model that my younger brothers need; #5 and the most important goal – do all of this for myself.”

Upon his release, Basilio immediately began to work toward achieving his goals.

“I started completing them, one by one,” said Basilio, “and nothing was going to stop me. I got to a point where I knew I had to make these changes in my life. I heard about YouthBuild, and that’s where SER comes in.”

YouthBuild is a SER program where 17-24 year-olds who have dropped out of school can earn their GED while gaining skills in construction, earning a stipend, and helping to rebuild and repair housing in low-income communities.

“I got into YouthBuild, earned my GED, Osha 10, and NCCER credentials,” said Basilio, “and, at the same time, I joined another SER youth program called “This Way Ahead” to upgrade my resume and to learn people skills so I could get that confidence back that I had lost. I knew it would help me get a job.”

This Way Ahead offered Basilio job readiness, financial training and then an internship with Banana Republic, where Basilio’s strong work ethic was recognized.

“I continued working with SERJobs to find a long-term career path,” said Basilio, “and met with Jimmy Perez, manager of La Chamba. Jimmy offered me a job that would give me experience working with people and learning teamwork, handling money, making connections.”

“SER has been great, it helped me a lot – look at where I am now,” said Basilio, “I’m going past my limits – no limit will stop me from achieving my goals.”

As Basilio went through SER programs, he learned useful job skills along the way. More importantly, he learned life skills that will be with him forever.

“SER helped me so much in gaining leadership skills and other important life skills. It helped me realize that I have a voice and can help others see what they can become,” said Basilio, “after going through SER programs, I feel comfortable having conversations with new people. I feel confident for the first time in my life.”

“Entering 2019 is going to be all about my future,” said Basilio, “at this very moment, my work at La Chamba has opened up new doors for me. My network is growing more and more, I’m meeting new people, opportunities are opening up, so many people now recognize me in a great way, in a way that reflects my value. Before SER, it was “Basilio, the dropout” or “Basilio, the drug addict”, but now it’s all positive. Life is exciting because, even though I don’t know exactly what’s waiting for me, I do know it’s going to be great.”

“I’m planning for my future now because I want to be prepared,” said Basilio, “I want a wife and children and the ability to give them a good life so they don’t have to go through the things that I’ve been through.”

Basilio spends 3-1/2 to 4 hours on the bus getting to work at La Chamba every day. His determination and grit inspire everyone he meets.

“One of my main goals is to help youth by sharing my story,” said Basilio, “if I can teach them now, it will help them avoid the problems that I’ve had. Especially now when they’re young.”

For now, Basilio is living at home and continuing to provide for his mom, sister, and brothers, and for the most part, everything is going great.

“One of my brothers is struggling right now, but I am there for him,” said Basilio, “I’m encouraging him to come to SER because I know that his life can be changed there.”

‘I believe the best way I can thank SERJobs is to become successful,” said Basilio, “I want to show them what they did for me – what they helped me become.”

At SER, we work every day to help individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services.

The post Basilio’s Story appeared first on SERJobs.