Our Clients' Stories p2
Donte’s last full-time job was in 2000 as a machine operator for a beverage distributor. He was fired after working for almost a year, when his supervisor noticed two fingers in his gloves flopping while he was pushing control buttons on the bottle assembly line. Donte is disabled from a fireworks accident that blew up in his hand in 1993. The job loss was a blow to his self confidence. He didn’t work again until 2003 when he found work with a fabrication company. This job ended when he found he couldn’t keep up because of his disability.
Recently a relative told him about SVdP’s Champion Workforce Employment Program. Donte’s motivation to get back on his feet is to have a better relationship with his 7-year-old daughter. He wants to help take of and see her more often. Donte has performed volunteer hours at SVdP and is participating in employment readiness classes through SVdP’s Job Club. He is getting good marks working as a transitional employee in the SVdP Free Dining Room. Donte hopes to continue gaining employment skills and confidence and find full time work. His dream is to attend barber school to enhance his haircutting abilities.
This is April’s story in her own words...
“I have been using the center ever since the time I became homeless 8 months ago. I have become homeless due to a domestic violence thing and I was left on the streets with no place to turn to. I came into the Visitation Center totally surprised at the help that I received. I have gotten the necessary uniform for my 12-year-old son to go to school. I also got a winter jacket for him. I have been very blessed that I have been able to have this because the uniforms are very expensive and I was having a hard time with my money from Cal-Works. I have also used the services for the showers for both my son and I when we can. I also get my mail sent there because of the places that I have been getting my mail the people were starting to tamper with it. I have also been volunteering my time and helping out also because I also would like to be an intern there. I hope that I can help out any way. I would love to have a place like this in the East Oakland area so people would not have to come all the way to get the services they need. I am very blessed for this service. Thank you