GRATITUDE OVERWHELMS SUCCESSFUL TRAINEES
IN PROGRAM FOR DISPLACED HOMEMAKERS
MIAMI, December 9, 2004 – It happened at the “Success Stories” luncheon December 8th, sponsored by Miami Dade College's Working Solutions program to equip displaced homemakers with new skills for the job market. One after another, the nine people accepting their certificates of course completion stepped to the dais to say a few words.
When her moment to speak came, Silvia Romero, of Southwest Miami, was overcome with emotion. She told how much the training meant to her and just repeated the words “thank you.” It was a highlight of the event.
The other participants empathized. They felt the same surge of emotions. Most of them are foreign born and each has their own story. Ms. Romero, of Southwest Miami, came here from Buenos Aires, Argentina, when she could not find work as a hairdresser.
“My self-esteem was very low,” Ms. Romero explained. “Somebody told me about Working Solutions and I started learning typing and customer service last September. Many Argentines are too shy to seek help if they are not citizens because they fear to come out and say what their situation is. So they refrain from joining any programs.”
For many in that situation, Working Solutions at Miami Dade College also serves as a referral agency to help people overcome any obstacles to working, such as homelessness or health conditions.
Yineth Torres, of Miami Beach, is another “Success Story” who has just completed training in computers, the Internet, and customer service. Formerly a business reporter for “El Espacio” in her native Colombia, Ms. Torres recalls how one day she was grabbed by three men with guns in the parking lot outside her office. They threatened to kill her if she didn’t tell them where to find wealthy people. When she screamed, the men fled. America granted her sanctuary because “I was afraid for my life,” she said.
She, too, is emotional talking about Working Solutions. “I love it because the knowledge is very practical and it helps me to help others.”
Funded by State of Florida trust fund dollars, Working Solutions if offered free to homemakers 35 and over who have lost a government subsidy or family financial support. Male trainees are accepted as well as women. Program Manager Linda Scharf said, “We never turn people away. We want people to learn and be empowered.” Working Solutions is currently working to train and place more than 300 people in jobs.
For more information on the program, contact Linda Scharf at (305) 237-7537.
>>
|
