Daniel was struggling to stay on top of his bills. He was at risk of experiencing homelessness when he learned about LA:RISE and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC), an LA:RISE social enterprise partner.
Daniel said he was drawn to the LA:RISE program because it offers opportunities to gain work experience and earn job certifications.
“I like that everyone is friendly and people are always looking to help you whenever needed,” he said. “There are a lot of opportunities to move up.”
During his first few months at the LACC, Daniel demonstrated professionalism and dependability. Daniel’s consistent work ethic led to him being offered a promotion to a corps member driver.
“Since my promotion, I have more responsibilities that have built up my leadership skills,” he said. “I am really proud of this promotion because it shows that I'm responsible and capable.”
Daniel is currently working to enroll in Americorps where he can earn a scholarship to help him return to school. He is also confident that he is learning skills that will position him to achieve his goal of pursuing a career as a firefighter and park ranger. In the meantime, he continues to work with the corps on projects based in LA City Council District (CD10).
“You just have to do the work, because hard work does pay off,” he said.
Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE)Daniel said he was drawn to the LA:RISE program because it offers opportunities to gain work experience and earn job certifications.
“I like that everyone is friendly and people are always looking to help you whenever needed,” he said. “There are a lot of opportunities to move up.”
During his first few months at the LACC, Daniel demonstrated professionalism and dependability. Daniel’s consistent work ethic led to him being offered a promotion to a corps member driver.
“Since my promotion, I have more responsibilities that have built up my leadership skills,” he said. “I am really proud of this promotion because it shows that I'm responsible and capable.”
Daniel is currently working to enroll in Americorps where he can earn a scholarship to help him return to school. He is also confident that he is learning skills that will position him to achieve his goal of pursuing a career as a firefighter and park ranger. In the meantime, he continues to work with the corps on projects based in LA City Council District (CD10).
“You just have to do the work, because hard work does pay off,” he said.
A Social Enterprise Solution to Help the At-Risk Join the Workforce
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.
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.
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from the week of January 10, 2022. Read this issue and more.
