Alejandra and Equus Workforce Solutions
The support that changed Alejandra’s life now helps her change others’ lives.
Before connecting with Equus Workforce Solutions, Alejandra describes her life as a “rocky road.”
As a mother, she was trying to find work, return to school and create a resume, all without a strong support system at home. But Alejandra knew there was something more for her.
She came into Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, where she was connected to a case manager, Brittany, who introduced her to the Young Adult Program.
Brittany remembers, “She knew that she needed to change her life. She just didn’t necessarily know how.”
“Trying to achieve your goal sometimes looks like starting and stopping again,” Brittany explains.
“But when she was held accountable, she kept showing up again and again until she got it right.”
The team supported Alejandra with childcare, gas cards and clothing for interviews and work. They also helped her find a job she loves through a work experience opportunity with Urban Specialists.
“She was very zealous and eager to use this opportunity,” says Candace from Urban Specialists.
“She came right on in and walked lockstep with me in everything that we do.”
Working in the community quickly became deeply personal for Alejandra.
She could relate to the people Urban Specialists supported and understood the difference the right help could make.
After losing her brother to gun violence, the organisation’s work gained even greater meaning.
“It all came full circle,” Alejandra says.
Her determination has also inspired the Urban Specialists team.
“She came in navigating through a lot of terrain, and she is killing it,” Candace says.
“She’s knocking it out of the park as a mother, as an aspiring businesswoman and as part of our team.”
Brittany believes other young people will see themselves in Alejandra’s story and realise they can overcome their own challenges.
For Alejandra, it shows what can happen when you get the right support.
“Consistency, positive people and the right circle around you get you to where you’re supposed to be.”