Meet Lina Santos - Hawthorne
Workforce Challenge:
Hawthorne resident, Lina Santos, was completing a supervised release program required by US Federal Probation to assist her reintegration back into the workforce. Prior to her conviction, Lina had obtained education and work experience in accounting and finance. However, due to the nature of her conviction, and her requirement to disclose her conviction prior to obtaining employment, securing a job was posing a great challenge.
Workforce Solution:
Lina was referred to our One Stop Center where she was enrolled in the Homeless Opportunity for Meaningful Employment program to access specialized services for her transition into the community. Working with her career counselor, Lina was assigned a position providing administrative support to warehouse operations at Gardena-based, Singla Spices, through a 300-hour subsidized Paid Work Experience program.
Outcome and Benefits:
Upon completion of the program, she successfully secured a permanent position with the same company making $22.50 an hour.
“I am grateful for the support received from AJCC staff during my transition. Despite the perceived barriers, I am grateful for the opportunities and assistance with reentering the workforce in a professional and administrative capacity.”