Roxana’s Story
“When I moved into the Margarita Inn, people were so welcoming. It made me feel safe and confident that I could begin a new chapter. I jumped at the opportunity to participate in the jobs program. It gave me a chance to develop my skills and follow my passion for helping others.”
After losing her apartment due to an unlawful eviction, Roxana faced a series of traumatic events in quick succession. She was assaulted by someone she trusted, witnessed her partner being shot, and endured escalating abuse that left her injured and without a safe place to go. When she arrived at the Margarita Inn shelter, she carried little more than a bag of belongings and the weight of everything she had endured.
Roxana found safety at the Margarita Inn and what she needed for a fresh start. Within weeks, she enrolled in the Workforce Development Program. With hands-on support, she studied for and passed her Certified Nursing Assistant reinstatement exam. The program also provided Roxana with scrubs and public transit passes, expenses she could not afford before starting a job.
Earlier this month, Roxana began a new role at a local nursing home. She describes the past six months as the most peaceful of her life.
Roxana’s story is not unique. Workforce Development is designed to empower people with practical skills, support, and opportunities, and we see the results every day. More participants like Roxana are gaining job experience, enrolling in classes, and taking meaningful steps toward building a better future for themselves and their families.