Your Generosity Can Change a Life

Every time Sandra Gonzalez heads to work, she’s reminded of just how blessed she is and how far she’s come.

As a graduate of the JVS ApartmentWorks career training program, this 25-year-old single mom has spent the past several months working for Jones and Jones Communities in Los Angeles. She is shadowing a more experienced apartment maintenance worker, learning to repair and replace drain pipes. She also repairs and replaces faucets, garbage disposals and toilets.

“It’s so amazing,” says Sandra, who was living at a women’s shelter just a few months ago with her now-10-month-old daughter, Chloe Olive.

Sandra grew up in Santa Monica and Los Angeles with her mom and two siblings. Her dad was in and out of jail and not really in the picture. “I got into a little trouble and have a history of drug abuse,” she shares. “I was struggling, living in a shelter and on welfare. I didn’t have any guidance to find a job, let alone a career.”

Sandra’s work experience to date had included minimum-wage jobs at doggie daycares and an automotive repair shop. She considered working toward her mechanic certificate but knew it could take years. Then, she became pregnant, and building a career took a back seat.

JVS SoCal is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Our Tax ID is 95-1691012

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JVS SoCal is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization (EIN: 95-1691012) and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email/print donation receipt as your official record. JVS SoCal has earned the highest overall rating of four stars for fiscal responsibility from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator as well as earning Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.