Before joining the LA:RISE program, Aaron was homeless, unemployed, and had no job experience. He said he was drawn to LA:RISE because it was an opportunity to gain new skills that would lead to a stable job and better future.

Aaron attended a janitorial training program conducted by LA:RISE partner Goodwill SoCal, followed by 300 hours of work experience in a transitional job at a Goodwill site. Due to his hard work, Aaron was offered permanent employment at Goodwill.

"I learned janitorial skills in a caring and safe environment. I was surrounded by professional people who supported me all the time. I developed work skills, ethics as well as personal growth."

He said that completing the program was an achievement that raised his self-esteem. "Being a productive citizen is something I am so proud of. This whole experience helped me to put my feet on the first step of the success ladder. I am so excited to move forward in my career."

Aaron encouraged others facing employment barriers to persevere. "My message is that there are so many opportunities waiting for whoever wants to change their life. Mine has changed and I am so happy."

EWDD is a leadership team partner of LA:RISE, an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of Los Angeles’ Workforce Development System with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help people with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.

The City’s WorkSource Centers and LA:RISE prioritize individuals recently released from prison, the unsheltered or those at risk of homelessness, and youth ages 18-24 who are neither in school nor employed. After working in a transitional job at a social enterprise, leveraging WorkSource Center training and services, LA:RISE participants are placed in permanent jobs within the private or the public sector.