Success Stories

Delens Fleury was referred to Training Resources of America, Inc. (TRA) – Brockton Office in June 2010 for work readiness training funded through DTA. In September he began working part time canvassing for a basement waterproofing/repair contractor. According to Delens, “The things I learned at TRA about research, how to deal with customers, how to make a good first impression were immediately applied in my job. I had to first sell myself before selling the product.” Since then, Delens has been promoted to a job setting up home shows, has received a raise, is working 40 hours per week with the option for overtime, and receives company benefits to support his one-year old daughter.

Candice Anderson was referred to Training Resources of America’s (TRA) – New Bedford’s Young Parents Program as a pregnant 18 year old. Through the program, she was able to gain the self-awareness and confidence to realize she had to start thinking “beyond the moment” and start thinking about her future and that of her unborn child. She worked hard, achieved her GED, and through career exploration at TRA realized her interest in cosmetology. She has since graduated from LeBaron’s Academy with a cosmetology certificate.
(Photo: Candice Anderson at right pictured with TRA Instructor Rosa)

Rebecca Villanuéva enrolled in work readiness program at TRA-Salem in June 2010. A divorced mother, she moved to the North Shore from Puerto Rico hoping to make a better life for herself and her family. Despite previous work experience, she lacked confidence and the “know-how” to move forward. At TRA she was able to learn new skills and find the support she needed. Within 5 months, she was placed at a local housing authority for 40 hours per week as a receptionist with full benefits.

Jenna Nolette was 19, trying to complete school, unemployed, and living in a friend’s bedroom without family support when she discovered she was pregnant. She was referred to TRA-Fitchburg’s Young Parents Program where she achieved her GED within 2 months of enrollment. From there, she transferred to the TRA-Fitchburg work readiness program learning valuable workplace skills. After having her daughter on January 25th, and with support from TRA, she got housing assistance, transferred to a local community college, found an evening job to help with expenses, and is studying to get her driver’s license.

Angelica Burgos got pregnant at age 16 while in her senior year of high school. Due to problems with her pregnancy, she had to leave school. At age 17, she found herself in a shelter with an infant daughter, no job and no support. After enrolling in TRA-Worcester’s Young Parents Program, things began to change for the better. She is now working on completing her GED and hopes to transfer into nursing school. Her daughter’s father has also enrolled in the program with plans to get his GED and eventually become a drug enforcement agent. Most of all, they want to become something that will make their daughter proud.

Daysie Rodriguez enrolled in TRA-Quincy Young Parents Program when she was 19 years old, 8-months pregnant and homeless. Within a few weeks of giving birth, she was back at TRA working on her GED which she earned in January 2010. Daysie then served as an intern at TRA’s AmeriCorps/YouthBuild program where she earned a stipend and education awards. She is now enrolled at Quincy College.
(Photo: Daysie Rodriguez with daughter Lilly)

Agelica Lopez, a divorced mother of 4-year old twins, was having a very difficult time finding employment, despite receiving a recent college degree in sociology. She was referred to a DTA-funded vocational skills training program operated by TRA-New Bedford in September 2010. “Even though I graduated from college, this program has helped with my positive self-development and I learned valuable skills here that college doesn’t teach.” says Angelica. With support from the TRA staff, she successfully completed the program, and began a new job in February, 2011 as a mental health coordinator with an excellent salary and benefits.