S O U T H B A Y W O R K F O R C E
I N V E S T M E N T B O A R D
A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Youth Programs Success Stories
Meet Garrett Horton
Workforce Challenge:
Garrett Horton, a young adult from Torrance and a Cal State University Long Beach student, came to the South Bay One-Stop Business and Career Center in Torrance seeking to obtain further experience in interviewing skills and assistance with building his resume in his field of study, Business Management and Supply Chain Management.
Workforce solution:
Garrett was assigned a case manager who assisted him with building his skills, including mock interviews to gain confidence and tailoring his resume based on the job position he was applying for. He found the One-Stop’s connections with local companies very useful, and was placed at L3 Harris Electron Devices for an internship while he finished school.
Outcome and Benefits:
He completed his internship at L3 Harris and earned his bachelor’s degree, he then immediately found employment with Condor Cargo.
“I am now doing something that I enjoy and I think having that prestigious internship on my resume really helped seal the deal of my new occupation.”
Meet Bryant Hu
Workforce Challenge:
Bryant Hu, a young adult and recent college graduate from Torrance, was in search of employment. After months of applying and receiving minimal responses and interviews, he applied for an internship opportunity at L3 Harris.
Workforce solution:
L3 Harris referred Bryant to the One-Stop Center for services where he received resume assistance, interviewing skills and support from a career counselor.
Outcome and Benefits:
Bryant completed his internship at L3 Harris, which made him a more competitive applicant for job
interviews. He obtained employment at Boeing as a procurement agent earning $27 an hour and aims to transition into an engineering role in the near future.
"Just give it a shot and reach out to the One-Stop to see how they can best help you! They have connections to local businesses and can provide opportunities that you wouldn't be able to find on your own. It's also free, so there's nothing stopping you!"
Meet Isabel Aguallo
Workforce Challenge:
Isabel Aguallo, a youth participant and CalWORKs recipient from Carson, was referred to our One Stop Center for job search assistance. She was seeking employment to assist her grandmother financially, who was raising her alone.
Workforce solution:
Isabel was enrolled into the “Fit for Gold” Program where she was introduced to various workshops including resume assistance, job shadowing, company tours and career fairs.
She received leadership and mentor coaching, life skills guidance, financial literacy, financial aid training, college bound seminars and tutoring assistance.
Outcome and Benefits:
She successfully completed both Blueprint I and Blueprint II work readiness training and was awarded a Gold Level Certification. She completed 120 hours of paid work experience where she exercised the leadership skills she had recently learned to mentor youth in her community at Carson Park. Isabel has successfully graduated from high school with a 4.09 GPA and will be attending California State University, Fullerton.
“The Carson one stop career center helped me gain worked experience and taught me to be on time. The staff welcomed me and explained everything I needed to know to get started which made me feel part of the community.”
Meet Lewis Anderson
Workforce Challenge:
Lewis Anderson, a young adult who was homeless, was in need of employment services. He visited our One Stop Center in Gardena and shared his challenges securing stable employment due to his substance abuse, homelessness throughout his life as a foster youth, and his limited work history.
Workforce solution:
Lewis was enrolled in our Youth program services where he received career exploration sessions and an individual service strategy plan, which included a Paid Work Experience assignment. He attended the Blueprint for Workplace Success employment preparation course and was also enrolled in the Homeless Opportunity for Meaningful Employment program to access specialized services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Outcome and Benefits:
Lewis secured full-time employment as security guard and is now on track with his goal of obtaining a career in law enforcement.
“I am grateful for the opportunities granted by the South Bay One Stops and the exposure I received that allowed me to embark along a pathway to achieving my future employment and career goals.”
Meet Israel Sandoval
Workforce Challenge:
Nineteen-year-old Israel Sandoval was attending a traditional high school until he felt the school setting was no longer a good fit for him. As a result, he dropped out for one year.
Workforce solution:
He then enrolled in the SBWIB YouthBuild Program where he benefited from the smaller class sizes and the attention and support he received from the staff. As he learned different constructions skills, he applied it to his personal life by completing small construction projects in his aunt’s kitchen. Mr. Sandoval completed CPR training in addition to his certification in construction. He was also enrolled in the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act program and received paid work experience at Chevron.
Outcome and Benefits:
Mr. Sandoval overcame the negative relationships fostered at his previous school by creating new and positive ones at YouthBuild. He was able to remain focused and as a result, co-enrolled at El Camino College where he is taking kinesiology classes. In the future, he plans on transferring to a University.
“Definitely come to YouthBuild and be open to what they offer. The program will only work if they are willing to accept and take advantage of the services the program offers to be successful.”
Meet Armani Dungey
Workforce Challenge:
Armani Dungey, recent high school graduate, faced the difficulties of transitioning from high school to adulthood. She had been applying for jobs with no luck. Ms. Dungey attended the SBWIB’s Blueprint for Workplace Success Job Fair before graduating and was hired on the spot. However, due to her school schedule she did not get the job. This transition was one of the hardest challenges she had faced. Her plans to move to Arizona after graduating no longer seemed possible.
Workforce solution:
Ms. Dungey sought services at the Hawthorne Teen Center. Her goal was to obtain employment services to earn funds for college. She was placed at the Warehouse Shoe Sale (WSS) for paid work experience.
Outcome and Benefits:
Ms. Dungey was offered permanent employment at WSS, she obtained an additional job at UNice Hair Company and started summer school at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
"I would like to tell others who struggle to find employment to never give up and always try to find as many resources as possible, because you never know who can end up helping you out when needed. Also, don’t get discouraged if things don’t work out right away, simply try again or move on to something better.”
Meet Ana Ibarra
Workforce Challenge:
Ana Ibarra, 18-year-old from Inglewood, was attending an academy with college level coursework but was not receiving her desired grades. She felt there was no support for her to succeed and dropped out.
Workforce Solution:
Ms. Ibarra was recruited and enrolled in the SBWIB YouthBuild Program. She became active in the Policy Committee, YouthBuild’s version of ASB, where she was able to assist others, plan school events and encourage her classmates to have school spirit. She also participated in multiple service projects through AmeriCorp.
Outcome and Benefits:
She took charge academically by reaching out to teachers and staying after school to receive one-on-one help. She studied hard and excelled in her construction training and work safety at construction sites. As a result, Ms. Ibarra graduated from the YouthBuild program this past June as the valedictorian. She reflects on the growth of her leadership, time management, and communication skills during her time in the program. She is currently enrolled at El Camino College and plans to transfer to UCLA after two years.
Meet D’Shalla Wyrick
Workforce Challenge:
D’Shalla Wyrick was referred to the South Bay OneStop Business & Career Center – Gardena by the Department of Children and Family Services for employment services. Ms. Wyrick attended orientation and was enrolled in a Paid Work Experience assignment.
Workforce Solution:
In preparation for her assignment she completed the Blueprint for Workplace Success course where she gained the necessary skills to make a smooth transition to her employment with Warehouse Shoe Store (WSS).
Outcome and Benefits:
Shortly after completing her work based learning experience, Ms. Wyrick secured full-time employment with G-2 Services for LAX World Airports. Since the start of Ms. Wyrick’s employment, she has received multiple wage increases and continues to make strides with her employer.
“I am grateful for the opportunities granted by these programs and the exposure to the retail and customer services industry.”
Meet Joshua Williams
Workforce Challenge:
Joshua Williams, Inglewood resident, grew up in a challenging environment with his parents and siblings. To add to the challenge, his mother had a stroke. This hardship changed his parents’ habits, affecting their ability to be the best role models.
Workforce Solution:
As Joshua’s family matters became worse, the Department of Children and Family Services stepped in and placed Joshua and his siblings’ in foster care. Joshua’s godmother insisted they needed to be under her care. After some time adjusting to these changes, Joshua’s godmother, who was an elementary school educator, worked diligently to bring his grades up and motivate him to believe in himself.
While in foster care, Joshua visited the Inglewood One-Stop for services. He received assistance in counseling with Centinela Youth Services and enrolled in the youth summer program. Joshua interviewed with Warehouse Shoe Sale (WSS) and completed an internship, afterwards he was placed in the Inglewood Youth Department as an office assistant.
Outcome and Benefits:
Joshua also received tutoring assistance through the Hawthorne Teen Center. Being around positive people gave him the confidence he needed to succeed. He applied to colleges and received a few scholarships. Joshua graduated high school with a GPA of 3.7 and is now attending school at Grand Canyon University, Arizona.
“I am truly thankful for the One Stop and all the help they have given me. I hope to find future employment through the One-Stop, once I finish college in the youth department because I want to help youth in need.”
Meet Malia Dinkins
Workforce Challenge:
Malia Dinkins, of Inglewood, was being raised by her grandmother after being in foster care. Her senior year expenses were approaching and she needed a job to help pay for them so she applied to a few places. Not having prior work experience made the job search unsuccessful.
Workforce solution:
Malia’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Independent Living Program (ILP) coordinator referred her to the Inglewood One-Stop Youth Program and she was placed in the Bridge to Work program. She enrolled in the Blueprint for Workplace Success class where she learned what companies expect from their employees, how to do a resume, how to interview and many other aspects of a working environment. Malia worked her first job at the South Bay One-Stop Youth Department as an assistant to case managers, and realized she wanted to work in an office setting as her career.
Outcome and Benefits:
Since then, Malia has attended Azusa Pacific University, during this summer she has been working at the Hawthorne Teen Center as an office assistant. Malia is transferring to Loyola Marymount University this fall 2019 to pursue a major in Sociology.
“The Inglewood One-Stop not only helped me advance my skill sets for work, but also as an individual. With the constant support of the One-Stop, it has made not only my work experience enjoyable and helped me to advance my strengths, but also my college experience a lot easier.”
Meet Emmanuel James
Workforce Challenge:
Emmanuel James graduated from high school with an exceptional GPA and received a full scholarship to Arizona State University. Despite having a scholarship he needed assistance paying for school supplies and clothing. His family wasn’t able to help him financially so he decided after a semester he would go back home to Inglewood and work to save money. His plan was to return to school after saving a bit, once he started to work he focused on work and did not return to Arizona State University.
Workforce solution:
Emmanuel’s temporary jobs only lasted a month, he decided to seek employment assistance from the Inglewood One-Stop Youth Department. He participated in the Blueprint for Workplace Success class, paid work experience program and worked on his interviewing skills.
Outcome and Benefits:
Emmanuel found employment at Amazon and has enrolled in a nursing program.
“The One-Stop gave me better decision-making skills, confidence and determination.
It has also been the best support system and it’s been free.”