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GROWING TALLER A q u a r t e r l y n e w s l e t t e r f o r s u p p o r t e r s o f Ta l l e r S a n J o s e
WINTER 2009
Alumni Profiles
Santos Velazquez In 2008 she enrolled in Taller San Jose and trained to work in
G
a medical front office, learning skills like billing and entering
rowing up in an
insurance codes. “I made a professional resume and learned how
impoverished
to interview.” One day at a mock interview, Valeria did so well
and gang-ridden
she was offered a job on the spot by the HR representative from
neighborhood, Santos
CalOptima.
Velazquez, age 19, always
dreamed of a better life. So, Over one year later Valeria continues to work at CalOptima,
while his peers were joining administering member benefits and earning $15.00 per hour with
gangs, he joined Taller San full health benefits. She too has returned to Taller San Jose to
Jose’s construction training volunteer and even gave a speech at this year’s Light up a Life
program in 2009. gala in September. She is an avid photographer and plans to
further her education at Santa Ana College.
“I built a stable foundation
Santos Velazquez graduated Taller San Jose of job skills and experience “Because of Taller San Jose, I can fully support my family and
in 2009 and earns $19 per hour as a Low at Taller San Jose,” said accomplish my dreams,” said Valeria.
Voltage Apprentice. He will become certified Santos.
by the State of California as a Low Voltage
Tremaine Friend
Santos graduated from
Electrician and hopes to one day receive his
electrician’s license. the program in September
and became a Low Voltage
T
Apprentice earning $19 per remaine Friend joined
hour with benefits at the Association of Builders and Contractors. Taller San Jose’s office
He was accepted into the company’s apprenticeship program careers training program in
and will be certified by the State of California as a Low Voltage 2007, where he got certified in
Electrician. His long term goal is to obtain his electrician’s license. Microsoft Word and Excel. Upon
graduation he was soon hired as
“I never imagined myself doing work like this,” said Santos. “Right an Operations Specialist at Edge
now I am working on a project in Los Angeles where we are Resource Partners, an Orange
modernizing an entire high school’s electrical system.” County recruiting firm. “I owe my
Santos recently volunteered as a panelist at Taller San Jose’s New success to them for hiring me
Student Orientation, where he shared his experiences and offered and giving me a chance to prove
advice to students during their first week of instruction. “I told myself,” said Tremaine.
them that Taller San Jose takes things like attendance seriously,” Tremaine Friend graduated Taller San
He has since moved on to
explained Santos. “So, come every day, don’t be late, and try your Jose in 2007 and recruits accounting,
another firm, Advantage
best.” finance, IT, and HR professionals
Placements, where he recruits
at Advantage Placements. He is
Santos is grateful for the training and support he received at Taller pursuing his BA in Communication accounting, finance, IT, and
San Jose. “I didn’t know where to turn before I came to Taller San HR professionals and is
Studies and has volunteered at Taller
Jose,” he said, adding “I could have easily gone in the direction of San Jose many times. unofficially known as “Director
other people from my neighborhood.” of First Impressions”, due to his
“outstanding relationship-building
skills,” according to his employer.
Valeria Gullien “All of this is made possible because of the training, certification,
and support I received at Taller San Jose and the professional
V
aleria came to Taller mentoring I’ve received from my employer,” said Tremaine. “I’m on
San Jose after the path to what’s turning out to be a great and exciting career.”
learning of her second
Tremaine keeps a busy schedule. He is pursuing a BA in
pregnancy at age 19. Valeria
Communications Studies and has returned to Taller San Jose
was unskilled and unable
several times, volunteering at the annual Light up a Life gala and
to find work to support her
even speaking at special events. This past year he was able to
young family. “I didn’t want
visit New York City for vacation.
my children to grow up the
way I did,” said Valerie. “I “My ultimate goal is to become an Amigo — a sponsor of a $1,000
wanted to give them stability student scholarship — to Taller San Jose,” said Tremaine. “I would
and a good future.” love to be able to give back….plus, that’s how I’ll know I’ve really
made it!”
Valeria was raised in a
Valeria graduated from Taller San Jose in broken family, torn apart by Taller San Jose is extremely proud of alumni like Santos, Valeria,
2008 and earns $15 per hour with benefits violence and poverty. She and Tremaine, who continue to work hard and succeed long after
at CalOptima. Last September, she gave a
speech at the Light up a Life gala. She is an
struggled with depression they graduate. Their achievements inspire both students and
avid photographer and plans to further her and often found herself supporters of Taller San Jose. For more alumni highlights, read
education at Santa Ana College. isolated and alone. the Alumni Accomplishment section on page 3.
GREETINGS FROM SHAWNA SMITH
Taller San Jose Partners
M
uch of the work accomplished at Taller San Jose is due in part to its partnerships
with local businesses and organizations. The following companies have supported
Dear the young men and women at Taller San Jose in a number of ways. If you would like
Friends, to learn how your company can get involved, call Christa Sheehan, Director of Advancement, at
(714)543-5105 ext. 112.
My husband and
I are expecting
our second child
Black and Decker
at the end of Black and Decker is a long supporter of Taller San Jose, sponsoring Light up a Life and providing
February. With Amigo student scholarships. The company participates in Taller San Jose’s Mock Interview pro-
our 2 1/2 year old gram, allowing students to get hands-on interview practice with real-world business professionals.
daughter and 15 year old niece at home Black and Decker also supports Hope Builders with ongoing tool donations.
it’s not quite as easy to linger in
anticipation of the newest family member
as it was with our first child. I think that’s
the way it is for so many of us – we carry
Golden State Foods
On November 19, Golden State Foods
family and work commitments, health and hosted its Good News for Kids gala at
business worries, on top of busy the Grove in Anaheim. All proceeds were
schedules and long “To Do” lists. It isn’t donated to Taller San Jose and the other
until I feel the sharp kick or pull of the non-profit honorees,Second Harvest Food
baby that I remember that I’m a partner in Bank, KidWorks, Phoenix House, and
a true miracle. New Vista School. Golden State Foods Taller San Jose graduate Nile Smith (left) shares her
I have often had the same experience has also been a key partner with Taller San story with the nearly 650 guests in attendance at
when I hear the story of a Taller San Jose Jose’s Hope Builders Inc. – sponsoring the Golden State Food’s 4th Annual Good News for Kids
student. A recent story was shared with rehabilitation project at the Phoenix House, Gala. Recording artist and event honoree
me by a young woman, Rhea, who is a a Santa Ana-based addiction treatment Becky Baeling (right) hosted the evening’s festivities.
graduate of our Office Careers Academy. program.
She was telling me how she had been
released from parole early as a result of
her hard work at Taller San Jose and Santa Ana College (SAC)
full-time enrollment in community college. Through a unique partnership with SAC, students enrolled in Taller San Jose’s Office Careers
She got emotional as she said, “Now I can Academy are co-enrolled at the college, attend class on campus one day a week, and, upon
give my mom peace knowing that officers graduation, receive up to 5 college credits toward their Associates Degree.
won’t be coming to our home in the
middle of the night, searching the house SAC also sits on Taller San Jose’s Orange County Allied Health Professional Collaborative, a
with her standing outside in group of community colleges, insurance providers, and hospitals that work to map out career
embarrassment.” Stories like this have a pathways for Taller San Jose’s medical assisting graduates. Through this partnership, SAC has
way of jolting me out of my daily routine conducted Job Readiness Workshops, taught computer courses, and provided guest speakers
and reminding me how much we need from its nursing, pharmacy, and EMT programs.
one another. They demonstrate so clearly
how through the generosity of others, lives
can be transformed. Miracles are born.
As we experience this season of miracles,
A Word From Sister Eileen:
it is my sincere wish that you will know In the twilight of life, God will not judge us by our earthly
how profoundly your support affects the possessions and human success, but rather on how much
lives of Taller San Jose’s young people. we have loved.
Your support clothes the job seeker, St John of the Cross
nourishes the soul that thirsts for
I hadn’t planned to turn 70 last month. This birthday reminded me that I
knowledge, comforts the sorrowful,
need no more material goods, no more stuff to accumulate. This marker
rehabilitates the prisoner, and it shines the
event reminded me that it is a good time to thank God for the gift of life.
light of God on the dark corners of Orange
It is also an opportunity to focus on the time that is left to me on earth
County. You are our partner in offering
to do good. Actually, God and I had a long talk about that very subject
hope to 300 young lives each year – a
when I turned 65. “Whatever good you’re going to do,” God told me,
miracle in its own right!
“do it!” I got the message.
With gratitude,
Each of us has an opportunity to make the world a better place. I see a good many people
leaving a legacy of values and character for their children and grandchildren to follow.
If you would like to create a legacy gift by including Taller San Jose in your will, living trust,
life insurance or retirement plans with a percentage or fixed dollar amount, we would enjoy
Shawna Smith welcoming you into our Good Samaritan Society. Please feel free to call me if you would like to
CEO/Executive Director discuss this or want further information.
Sister Eileen McNerney, CSJ 714-543-5105 ext. 102
Get Inspired - Alumni
Hope Builders Completes Accomplishments
Three Houses in Santa
We asked Taller San Jose
graduates “What are some of
your proudest accomplishments
since graduating Taller San Jose?”
Ana’s Logan Neighborhood Here are a few of their inspiring
responses…
Sarah – “I’m making $14.15 an
I
n September 2008, Taller San Jose’s hour as a Clinical Medical Assistant
and just purchased a 2009 Chevy
Hope Builders crew stood in an empty
Malibu.”
lot as they broke ground on their first
project – the building of three homes Christopher – “I’m making
in Santa Ana’s Logan neighborhood. $26 per hour as a sheet metal
Just over one year later, the same crew apprentice and got off probation.”
stood proudly on the porch of one of the
completed homes, alongside city officials Tanya – “I took my son to Knott’s
and the new residents, for a ribbon cutting Berry Farm for his birthday and
ceremony. was able to buy clothes and gifts
for him on my own.”
Hope Builders is Taller San Jose’s licensed
general contracting venture that builds Rhea – “I enrolled in 12 units at
affordable housing for local cities and Saddleback Community College
makes capital improvements for Orange Hope Builders completed its first project in October 2009 by and was discharged from parole.”
County’s nonprofit community. Hope building three homes in Santa Ana’s Logan neighborhood. They
continue to work on projects throughout Orange County, including Julienne – “My wife just had a
Builders employs Taller San Jose’s
the rehabilitation of facilities at Santa Ana’s Phoenix House. baby boy and I started my own
graduates and
band.”
generates revenue
that supports Taller member. “I still can’t believe we built these
houses from the ground up!” Meghan – “I was discharged from
San Jose’s nonprofit parole and last month was my 4
programs. year anniversary of being sober.”
Meanwhile, the Hope Builders crew is about
Hope Builders’ first to embark on another project in Santa Ana
Drew – “I’ve been staying drug
project – The Logan –the rehabilitation of facilities at the addiction
free and holding a steady job
neighborhood recovery program, Phoenix House. The making $12.00 an hour.”
houses – was a project is largely funded by Golden State
collaboration with Foods and will be complete in early 2010. A Stephanie – “Last year I left my
the city of Santa future project, in conjunction with Jamboree job at my aunt’s store on bad
Ana and Orange Housing will include the rehabilitation of terms because of my addiction.
County Community Housing Corp. and was completed 20 foreclosed houses currently owned by JP She recently offered me my job
Morgan Chase. back because I have been sober
in October 2009. Industry partners included Kevin
for one year.”
Crook Architects, Tait & Associates, Sares Regis Inc., “Hope Builders takes our construction training
Plumbing Concepts, FHL Bank of San Francisco, Linda – “I’m enrolled as a full time
a step further by providing employment for
Ganahl Lumber, and Black and Decker. student at Orange Coast College
program graduates,” said Shawna Smith,
Executive Director of Taller San Jose. “It also and my daughter entered the Head
“It felt great improving the city of Santa Ana and the Start program.”
neighborhood that I grew up in,” said Frank Banda, encourages our students and alumni to give
Taller San Jose graduate and Hope Builders crew back to their community.”
Jason – “I’m off parole!”
Year-End Giving Guide
A
s 2009 draws to an end, Taller crucial elements of our training to our Matching Gifts Good Samaritan Society
San Jose hopes that you will students – from tool belts, to childcare
consider us in your giving vouchers, to life skills workshops. To Many companies match their Join the Good Samaritan Society by
plans. An annual independent auditor’s date we have received 82 $1,000 employees’ charitable contributions. including Taller San Jose in your will,
report states that of every dollar scholarships and need an additional 18 Double your gift by taking advantage of living trust, life insurance, or retirement
received, $.83 directly funds programs people to meet our annual goal of 100 your company’s matching gift program. plans with a percentage or fixed dollar
and services. Your contributions are scholarships. Just visit your human resources office amount.
valuable and have a direct impact on and ask for a matching gift form.
the lives of our students and graduates. Donate your Truck
Honor Gifts
Become an Amigo Taller San Jose is seeking a utility truck
for Hope Builders and its construction Make a gift in honor of a friend or For more information on any
We are searching for 100 Amigos to training program. If you would like to loved one this holiday season. You can
select multiple honorees for one gift, of these giving opportunities,
provide $1,000 scholarships to our donate your truck contact us and we
students. These Amigo scholarships will take care of everything from the and each honoree will receive special please contact Laura Palmer
provide a package of the most pickup to the paperwork. recognition for the gift.
at (714)543-5105 ext. 128.
Save the Date! Presorted
Standard
O
U S Postage
n Saturday, Paid
September 19th at Permit #113
Mission San Juan Covina, CA
Capistrano, Taller San Jose
hosted 450 guests at Light up
801 N. Broadway
a Life 2009 and raised more
than $340,000 in net income.
Santa Ana, CA 92701-3423
(714) 543-5105
Event chairs Kristin Gossage and Kathy Taylor led
the planning committee, which included Kevin
Andrus, Meredith Brownson, Coleen Casciari,
Mimi Cora, Valerie Grier, Jannette Ingardia, Liza
Lower, Sister Eileen McNerney, Sally Palmer,
Linda Pierog, and Janice Ramsey.
The event’s festivities included a vibrant silent
auction, a delicious meal served by the Turnip
Rose Catering Company, and an inspirational
program that featured student speaker Valeria
Gullien and a video made by DGWB Advertising.
Best of Friends honoree, St. Joseph Health
System CEO Deborah Proctor shared her
experiences with Taller San Jose and encouraged
Taller San Jose Board of Directors - Bernard Schneider, Chair, Leslie Carter, Michael Clogg, Mike Hagan, Larry
event attendees to get involved.
Labrado, Christopher Leo, Lorena Maae, William Murin, Jeff Randolph, Sister Mary Rogers, Jonathan Segal, Rev.
One of the most inspiring parts of the evening was Christopher Smith, Marty Trujillo, Robert Velasco, Angela Wergechik, Robert Wilson & Dan Young
when 72 people pledged $1,000 to support a
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
Taller San Jose student with an Amigo scholarship.
The night culminated in the grand prize drawing,
where the winner had a choice of a Hybrid Tahoe student employment update
Congratulations and Continued Success to the following:
or Hybrid Silverado, generously donated by
Guaranty Chevrolet of Santa Ana. Name Title Company Wage Per Hour
Anthony Night Staff Pat Moore Foundation $9.50
Taller San Jose is grateful to all who supported Brandon Office Assistant Bristol Park Medical Group $14.50
this year’s Light up a Life. Thank you for standing Byron General Laborer Ace Air $15.00
by our side, giving our young men and women Carlos Electrician Ballard Electric $13.00
the opportunity to continue their education and Christian Office Clerk Digital Imaging Technology $9.00
develop the skills to find a job with a living wage. Cristian Tutor Santa Ana School District $11.00
Edgar Assistant House Keeper UCI $11.70
We hope to see you again next year at Ernest Laborer K.O.B.A $10.00
Light up a Life on September 18th, 2010! Ernesto Punch Worker Regis Contractors $12.50
Ezequiel Customer Service Ross $9.00
Gustavo Packaging DOT Printing $8.00
Ivan Laborer DCI Construction $10.00
Taller San Jose is seeking additional Jason Laborer Labor Finders $9.00
planning committee members! Javier Receptionist Taller San Jose $10.00
Joel Operations Pitney Powes $9.00
Are you looking for a way to do good in your
Jose Customer Service Behr Paint $8.50
community? Start the New Year out right and
Julienee Crew Leader Beneficial Maintenace Service $10.00
join the Light up a Life planning committee.
There are a variety of roles available, from décor, Linda Receptionist Dr. Balta’s Chiropractic Office $10.00
facilities, silent auction, corporate sponsorships, Luciano Laborer Mainstay Staffing Network $8.00
and more. Meet new friends, share your talents, Monica Medical Assistant Woodbury Medical Group $11.00
and help walk young lives out of poverty by Monique Customer Service Kirkland Green $9.00
volunteering your time at Taller San Jose. Nile Front Office Assistant Bristol Park Medical Group $12.00
Roy Apprentice Electrician Labor Finders $11.00
For more information, please contact Sandra Customer Service Representative Labor Ready $10.50
Michelle Barwick at (714) 543-5105 ext.125 Santos Low Voltage Apprentice ABC Apprenticeship $19.00
or at mbarwick@tallersanjose.org. Stephanie Dispatcher Partner’s Delivery Service $12.00
Tanya Lead Generator Auto One Warranty $10.00
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