We are excited to feature the success stories and highlights of CSET alumni. If you are someone who has participated in CSET programs in the past, we encourage you to share your story of how our services have impacted your life. Your story may be featured in upcoming CSET publications.

How has CSET helped you? Let's connect and inspire the community with your story!

Click the button below to share your story with us. We may contact you for more information. If you have any questions, contact the marketing department at csetmarketing@cset.org.

Sarah’s Story: With the assistance of the ESE program, Sarah gained employment and can now provide for her family.

Earlier this year, Sarah was referred to the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program. She was a stay at home mom and was driven to find permanent employment to best provide for her family. She participated in job readiness workshops and refined her job interviewing skills with Job Coach Raelene Scott.

Annamarie’s Story: How she gained employment in her desired field of Physical Therapy.

Annamarie started the Youth@Work program at CSET in early August of 2019. She had experienced difficulty finding employment on her own despite her Medical Assistant Certificate. Through the work readiness workshops, she developed a résumé. After months of hard work, Annamarie completed her workshops in late January of 2020.

Catalino’s Story: He jump started his career as a tattoo artist with assistance from Youth@Work.

Catalino Meza-Torrez was working as a local farmworker when he decided to join CSET’s Youth@Work program. He was seeking assistance to obtain his dream career as a tattoo artist. After reaching out to several partners, Youth@Work staff found a perfect partnership for Catalino at La Raza Tattoo Shop.

Kimberly’s Story: Her experience toward employment as a Program Specialist with CSET’s Energy Department. 

Kimberly joined CSET’s Sequoia Community Corps in February 2018. As a Corpsmember, Kimberly challenged herself to learn all about CSET programs and how they help individuals, families, and communities. This knowledge served her well as she gained experience in reception at CSET’s busy main office, providing information on the many services and activities.

Emelia’s Story: Her employment development experience as she worked to support herself and her daughters.

Emelia had been unemployed for several years when she entered the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program in early November 2019. She attended job readiness workshops and began job searching, developing confidence in speaking with prospective employers about her skills. 

Ashley’s Story: Her success as Arts Visalia Gallery's Assistant after graduating from CSET's #LEAD program

Ashley started working with Arts Visalia almost 2 years ago as a participant in CSET’s work experience program after graduating from #LEAD. In 2019, she became Arts Visalia Gallery Assistant, where she helps in the Gift Shop and the gallery’s monthly exhibitions, but her most important role is coordinating the children’s art classes.

Pearl’s Story: Her journey to job satisfaction with the help of CSET's Expanded Subsidized Employment program.

Pearl came to CSET’s Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program in September 2019 with the desire to improve her confidence in finding and gaining a job. She had previously experienced difficulties during her interviews and sometimes became so overwhelmed that she had to stop in the middle of an interview.

Samantha’s Story: Her experience that led her employment in an office setting. 

When Samantha started with the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program in August 2019, she had been unemployed for several years. She wanted to increase her work history and gain clerical and customer service skills to increase her ability to find stable employment.

James’s Story: His experience that led to his permanent employment and the ability to support his children. 

James had been working in various temporary jobs for several years when he began the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program in August 2019. As a single parent, he needed permanent employment with benefits and a schedule that accommodated his children’s school and childcare needs.

 Rosanna’s Story: Her experience through CSET’s NextStep program. 

 Rosanna participated in CSET’s NextStep program in 2019 to find meaningful employment and support her two children. She gained valuable experience as an office assistant with Tulare County Health & Human Services (HHSA), enabling her to purchase a vehicle and gain access to daycare for her children.

 Sofia’s Story: Her journey to employment through the Expanded Subsidized Employment program.

When Sofia lost her job in June 2019, she was eager to get back into the workforce so she could provide for her children. The Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program provided Sofia the opportunity to gain work experience with the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). Having developed new skills and experiences at HHSA, Sofia was inspired to both work and attend college to further her career. 

 Kelley's Story: Her experience through CSET's #LEAD Youth Leadership Program.

Throughout high school, Kelly actively sought out extracurricular opportunities to pursue her goals. CSET’s #LEAD Youth Leadership Program was one such opportunity; there, she gained confidence and proved herself to be dedicated and dependable. The #LEAD program introduced Kelly to FoodLink Tulare County, where she volunteered while simultaneously pursuing her interest in becoming a seamstress and starting her own business.

Brian’s Story: The Experience that Led Him to Full-time Employment a Local Construction Company

Brian’s hands-on approach to life guided his interest in a construction career. He was eager to work and provide for his family when he participated in the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program in November 2019. Brian’s willingness to learn coupled with his experience in solar installation earned him an interview at Champion Homes as a solar installer.

Monica’s Story: How Training and Learning Lead to Full Time Employment

Monica joined CSET through the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program in 2019. She quickly gained experience in three departments, including the Sequoia Community Corps, Energy Services, and as front desk receptionist in CSET’s busy main office. At each step in her journey, Monica gained new skills from her mentors and colleagues.

Darren’s Story: Finding Stability Through Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE)

Darren learned about CSET’s workforce services through the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program offered at the Employment Connection Affiliate Site in Tulare. Having returned to Tulare County after living out of the state, Darren, a single father, worked short-termed jobs to provide for his family.

Valeria’s Story: Building Her Career Experience Through CSET’s Next Step Program & the Corps

In 2019 Valeria participated in CSET’s Next Step Program. She had previously tried to enter the workforce, however she found herself facing barriers to employment. Valeria turned to CSET, who helped her find employment. Valeria expressed that when her contract ended, she was a little down since she loved her position so much. However, she says that the Sequoia Community Corps was very welcoming and through their services, helped her with her journey to permanent employment. Read Valeria’s full story below.

Nathan’s Story: The Experience that Lead Him to a Career Working on the Next Generation of Green Vehicles 

Nathan Osborne came to the Porterville Employment Connection frustrated and unsure how to proceed after losing his job. All that changed when Nathan began regularly attending Job Connect where he interacted with several employers. Nathan used both the skills and confidence he gained from his time participating in Employment Connection services to pursue an employer that aligned with his career interests. Read Nathan’s full story below.

Lorraine’s Story: Giving Back & Helping Others as CSET Once Helped Her

Lorraine began her journey at CSET in 2002, when she was referred to the Welfare-to-Work program. Working with job developer Joy Graves, Lorainne interviewed with Continental Labor & Staffing Resources and received an on-the-job training contract. After 3 months in the program, they hired Lorraine as a permanent full-time employee with benefits. Before participating in the program, Lorraine recalled feeling discouraged about her lack of work experience. With the positive influence of her job developer, Lorraine worked through her discouragement and gained confidence. Read Lorraine’s full story below.

Johnny’s Story: Overcoming Housing Instability, Strained Relationships, Substance Abuse, & Health Issues

From a young age, Johnny was involved in the criminal justice system. As a teenage father with a toddler and another child on the way, survival became his sole priority, a need he thought could be met through gang affiliation. Tragedy and revenge led to a life sentence for Johnny. He obtained early release in 2011 after serving 28 years in prison. Johnny began his struggle with homelessness and substance abuse. In 2015, a near-death experience motivated Johnny to seek drug recovery services, and he was referred to CSET for Permanent Supportive housing in 2017. Read Johnny’s full story below.

Carlos’ Story: Acquiring a Class A License & Being One Step Closer to Achieving His Dream

When Carlos became a participant with the Visalia Employment Connection (EC) in September 2019, he expressed how much he enjoyed working. Although he tried to maintain steady employment, he hadn’t been successful. He shared that he lived with family, and he had goals and dreams to have a place of his own one day. He stated he had researched and found that obtaining a Class A license could help him to attain his dream. Read Carlos’ full story below.

Ricardo’s Story: Past Participant, Now Paying it Forward as a Business Partner

Ricardo first visited the Employment Connection five years ago for job search assistance. He completed an on-the-job training (OJT) in 2015; however, he was laid off a year later. Ricardo returned to the Employment Connection where he enrolled in and completed the Prop 39 Pre-Apprentice Construction Trades Training. With newly acquired skills, Ricardo gained a Transitional Job Training as an Assistant Plumber Trainee with Stan the Plumber. Ricardo excelled at his work. Read Ricardo’s full story below.

Karina’s Story: Climbing the Career Ladder With the Support of CalFresh Employment & Training

Karina was struggling to find employment when she learned about the CalFresh Employment & Training (CalFresh E&T) program. Working closely with CSET’s CalFresh E&T team, Karina completed job readiness workshops to enhance her resume and interview effectively. Within one short month of entering the program, Karina received four interviews and two job offers. Read Karina’s full story below.

Wesley’s Story: A Life-Changing Opportunity for a Truck Driver

Wesley Maas visited the Porterville Employment Connection in search of a training opportunity that would help advance his career and provide for his family. As Wesley and his family were navigating the hardships of unstable housing, Wesley was determined to gain a career that would help get his family back on their feet. Wesley wanted to explore the career of truck driving and worked with his Career Coach Connie Quezada to complete the Scholarship Application process. Read Wesley’s full story below.

Juan’s Story: Formerly Homeless, Now Housed for Life Through Section 8 Assistance

Before coming to CSET, Juan experienced homelessness and loss of a loved one. He was wheelchair bound for nearly 5 years. He came to CSET at a time when he thought things were hopeless. CSET was able to house him through the Permanent Supportive Housing program, while providing life skills training and access to partner resources. Juan learned how to budget his social security income, communicate with landlords, be a good neighbor, take care of an apartment, and create a crisis plan. Read Juan’s full story below.

Luisana’s Story: Finding Her Passion as a Youth Leader

Luisana was about 14 years old when she was first introduced to CSET’s Ivanhoe Junior Leadership program. She described it as a wonderful experience for Ivanhoe youth, where she grew up among negative influences and constant gang activity. As a Junior Leader, Luisana was asked to write and present on the meaning of Cinco de Mayo, explaining the history and meaning behind the holiday. "I'm doing something positive," she remarked and credits the experience in forming her desire to serve her community. Read Luisana’s full story below.

Iliana’s Story: Moving up the Career Ladder at CSET

Iliana began her career at CSET as a Corpsmember in the Sequoia Community Corps in April 2014. Since then, she has moved through the program and now works with CSET's Finance Department as a payroll accountant. Iliana went back to school and completed her Bachelor's in Business Management and Master's in Business Administration from Fresno Pacific University. When asked about her journey, Iliana says “When I look back and see how much I have grown with the agency…” Read Iliana’s full story below.

Mariana’s Story: Re-Entering the Workforce Through the ESE Program

In 2019, Mariana Luviano was referred to the Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program. Through ESE, Mariana gained work experience and job skills to re-enter the workforce. She worked with her Job Coach Raelene Scott on a regular basis to refine her skills. Through job readiness workshops, Mariana learned tips on how to update her résumé and how to prepare for an interview. Additionally, she worked closely with her Job Developer Yvonne Jimenez in applying to job leads. Read Mariana’s full story below.