Villa Esperanza Services - Employment Success Stories

ELY AT SMART & FINAL

As a Service Clerk at Smart & Final in Thousand Oaks, Ely has made tremendous progress. Ely’s job coach Rose shares that many of Ely’s coworkers consider him the best employee on their team! One customer recently shared that she lives in the Valley but shops at the Thousand Oaks Smart & Final because Ely is so helpful and patient. Ely also trains special education students from the local high school who are making the transition from school to work.

BONGOTIES CREW

Villa clients helpmake BongoTies, handy ties for cables and other items, creating a wonderful opportunity for individuals with ambulatory challenges to learn new skills and be productive. Curtis, Razmik, Andrew, and Harold are dedicated members of Villa’s Bongo Ties crew and together they are now producing three thousand Bongo Ties a month! They are pictured here with Job Coach Cynthia and Director of Employment (Pasadena) Michael Greene.

MARSHALL

When he started with Villa, Marshall quickly became a leader within his work crew at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He memorized the rental schedule and knew what to set up in each room daily. Marshall also developed his passion for cooking! Pastor Erik and Office Manager Jennifer encouraged Marshall to cook and allowed him to make lunch for the crew. Now Marshall is turning his passion into an occupation and now works in a cafeteria as a Prep Chef!

DANIEL AT SPROUTS

Daniel joined Villa’s West Region Employment Program in 2015. In March of 2016, he was offered a position as a courtesy clerk at Sprouts and immediately bonded with store manager Eric. When Eric was moved to a different Sprouts location, he requested that Daniel be transferred there for one day to help with the grand opening. Eric and Daniel were very happy to reunite, and Villa is extremely proud of Daniel for making a lasting impression on his coworkers!

KAREN

Villa client Karen is a valued member of our Pasadena Employment Program’s janitorial crew. The crew work hard throughout the day to make sure Villa's offices are spick and span. Our job coaching staff share that Karen is a model employee because she is always on time and always willing to try something new. When asked what Karen likes most about Villa the answer is easy — “The people!” she says, smiling. She has been working on improving her customer service and social skills.

AARON

Aaron joined Villa’s West Region Employment Program in 2003. Aaron enjoys working with the crew at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and being outdoors. He is very active in the community - he participates in the Knights of Columbus bowling team and volunteers with the Simi Valley Aktion Club (where he is President) and the Kiwanis Club. As part of a Kiwanis Club project, Aaron made pillows and blankets for The Painted Turtle Camp - a camp for children with serious medical conditions.

ROLAND

Villa client Roland has been of part Villa’s family for over 20 years. He currently participates in the Pasadena Employment Program as a member of Villa’s landscaping crew. Roland is known for his excellent work ethic and kind smile. Director of Employment (Pasadena) Michael Greene shares, “If you have the pleasure of knowing Roland he will touch you. He is someone who takes pleasure in his work and performs his job duties with pride.”

THE FESERS

Michael, John, and Julianna have been part of Villa’s programs since they were children and now all three siblings work in Villa’s Pasadena Employment Program. Their mother Joan is a member of Villa Esperanza Guild and also served as a devoted Villa counselor for many years. She shares, “Villa continues to be our beloved family. Michael, John, and Julianna love going to work every day with their friends and adore their job coaches. They also look forward to special days at Villa like the annual Employment Program picnic at the park.”

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM SUCCESS STORIES