Client Testimonies
Latavion Bell
Second Chance in Life
Career Pathway: Manufacturing
Location of Service: 60620-1234
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Organization: Hope Center Foundation
Credentials Earned: Forklift Certification
Program Details: No Service/Activity available.
My Name is Latavion Bell. This program gave me a second chance in my life, believing that before I met Hope Center Foundation, my life was on a downhill slope. I applied to over 100 store jobs such as Walmart, McDonald’s, etc. looking for anything that would put a dollar in my pocket just to live and provide. After losing my car and most recent job, I was hopeless until a friend introduced me to the Hope Center Foundation. Something I wish I had been part of since I was 18, but God has a time and place for everyone.
In this program, Ms. Hughes helped me get a certification in forklifting, a trade school skill that I believe should be taught in high school. But as a minority, I am constrained to things of that nature. Training for the forklift certification, my commutation skills increased, and my ability to operate a Manufacturing machine went from none to beginner in one week. This will take me a long way in this field, leading me to surpass my level. On top of this, Ms. Hughes insured my transportation, which is an excellent help for walking long distances, which I usually would do. They helped me with my resume to get better jobs and provided me with a laptop for free. I am a college student, so this is great since I have been doing most of my work on my phone. In the beginning, I doubted myself before even trying, but with my faith and trust in Ms. Hughes, I knew I had the support and confidence to get it done. Now, I am off to conquer the world one step at a time.
CiJae Smith
Eye Opening Experience
Career Pathway: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Location of Service: 60433-1956
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Organization: Hope Center Foundation
Credentials Earned: CDL-A License
Program Details: No Service/Activity available.
My experience with the Hope Center Foundation has been eye-opening in showing me opportunities out there, and I chose to get my CDL-A license. The Hope Center Foundation helped me get into the program. My case manager, Ms. Tammy, has significantly impacted my focus on completing the program and positively influenced my life. She helped me understand the bigger picture, which I am very thankful for. I am currently 2/3 of the way complete with the CDL program that Ms. Tammy put me in with 160 Driving Academy, and plan on being done with the program by early April 2023. Soon after I complete the program, Ms. Tammy and The Hope Center Foundation are helping me find employment with trucking. Overall, I recommend others to come here and get help with employment. I will complete my CDL A in less than two weeks and start my career
Jayisiah Freeman
Golden Brick Road
Career Pathway: Manufacturing
Location of Service: 60617-3113
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Organization: Hope Center Foundation
Credentials Earned: Forklift Certificate
Program Details: No Service/Activity available.
First and foremost, I would like to thank Ms. Tamela Hughes for my journey throughout this process of getting me setup in my forklift training and using my certification to get a job driving forklifts. Ever since I met Ms. Tammy (the nickname I call her), I have seen what most would call “a golden brick road” of opportunities amongst jobs and people who have shown interest in me because of the certification I received with the help of this program.
Although I already had a job long before I met Ms. Tammy, my job was very pleased that I was able to bring my forklift certification into their facility and add extra help when in need of forklift work in their warehouses. The class I took to get certified for forklift driving was at Olive Harvey Community College, where I met a lot of very nice people (some around the same age as me) who were equally excited to get certified. The class was for four days, every Saturday from 8:00am-3:00pm, for one month.
I passed the course with ease, but without the help of Hope Center getting me into class, I would not be where I am today. I also volunteered in the “Job Readiness Program” and the “Social Emotional Learning Workshop,” in which I participated in mock interviews and learned tips and tricks on things to look out for in interviews with companies, and talk about my future dreams, and goals that I plan on accomplishing very soon. To conclude, this program has benefitted me entirely, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the help I’ve received from Ms. Tammy and the Hope Center Foundation.
Jair Cervantes
Forklift Training
Career Pathway: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Location of Service: 60638-5616
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Organization: Hope Center Foundation
Credentials Earned: Forklift Certification
Program Details: No Service/Activity available.
This success story begins with The Hope Center Foundation. The things I achieved while in this program were getting my certification to operate a forklift, making a proper resume, filing out proper applications, and making a proper LinkedIn/Indeed account. These things wouldn’t have occurred without Hope Center, they helped me with getting the certificate by giving a where and when and helped me set things up, walked me through every step of the way when I filled out my resume, applications and online accounts, and provided me with the things that I would need in the workforce. Hope Center has been really helpful and kind, and I would say that the outcome has been really positive
Uziel Cervantes
Forklift Training
Career Pathway: Manufacturing
Location of Service: 60638-5616
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Organization: Hope Center Foundation
Credentials Earned: Forklift Certificate
Program Details: No Service/Activity available.
The Hope Center Foundation has been a big help in getting me started on my journey to become a forklift driver. Since the first day I walked in, I was treated wonderfully by staff, a warm, welcoming, helpful staff member who helped me get from ground zero of no job; minimum wage wasn’t cutting it, and bills to pay were beginning to pile up, but now I’m on my way to start looking for a better-paying job that will help me straighten out life problems and alleviate others. Throughout this process, Ms. Hughes never really left my side to “figure it out.” We have been working well thus far, and my experience here has been positive. I am grateful to be here and to have been given such an opportunity.
Geomarri Johnson
Path to Greatness
Career Pathway: Manufacturing
Location of Service: 60438-1234
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Organization: Hope Center Foundation
Credentials Earned: Forklift Certification, Forklift License
Program Details: No Service/Activity available.
The Hope Center Foundation helped me get to a better position for a better job and future. Before coming to the Hope Center, I was eager for a gateway opportunity. I wanted more for myself regarding my well-being and having a good enough job to support me. This program leads young black, educated and uneducated men and women to greatness.
When I first arrived, I was skeptical about the pre-requisition steps and the number of participations needed for the process. During the process, (Mrs. Tammy) explained how the program could help me with most issues that may or may not be current at the time. I was guided me in the right direction. Thanks to her help, I got my Forklift Certification and license nearly the same month beyond intake. I was enrolled in a 1-week class that would guarantee my success in getting my Forklift License. Within that week, I was professionally taught Forklift Fundamentals and Safety. The course was profound in allowing every learner to understand the operations thoroughly. After the class was finished, I immediately began to send each participant jobs and companies hiring within our areas. I was also provided information on other programs at The Hope Center that could further our experiences and lengthen our resumes. The Hope Center generously offered each of us work gear, safety wear, and uniforms precise and necessary for our certification. One thing I like about the Hope Center is that they will always let you know that there is more in store for anyone who wants and feels that they deserve more for themselves.
Regardless of where or what you’re from, I invite anyone to try the Hope Center Foundation.
Donovan Walker
Focused & Out of Trouble
Career Pathway: Manufacturing
Location of Service: 60619-7359
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Organization: Hope Center Foundation
Credentials Earned: Forklift Certificate
Program Details: No Service/Activity available.
The Hope Center Foundation helped me gain a new experience where I earned my Forklift Certification. Tamela Hughes was good with everyone, very helpful and genuine, she did not let up on any of us. If I did not receive this help, to be honest, I don’t know where I would be today. This program helped me stay focused and out of trouble, for that I am grateful.
