growing tallerA quar ter ly newslet ter for supporters of Ta l ler San Jose

Summer 2012

Meet Krystel & Michael Amigo Spotlight

F ifteen years ago Dick and regina

Hunsaker attended light up a life with their good friends Mike and arlene Hagan. at that first gala, they listened to Sister eileen Mcnerney talk about being awoken to the cries of a mother who had just lost her second

son to gang violence. Her story stuck with Dick and regina and inspired them to help Sr. eileen in her quest to create a solution for the troubled youth in Santa ana.

over the years Dick and regina have enjoyed watching taller San Jose grow its program and have been involved every step of the way. From purchasing an original taller San Jose bench, to helping launch the construction training program, to volunteering through the order of Malta and St. John Vianney Church, the Hunsakers have been true amigos to taller San Jose’s youth. they appreciate the values-driven program and the work ethic that taller San Jose imparts on each student, requiring them to be on time, attend every day and with a good attitude.

Dick and regina urge potential donors to get to know taller San Jose by taking a tour of their facilities and meeting some of the students. “Just hearing from the graduates will make you want to get involved,” says Dick. “and, take the time to look over the employment placements on the back of the newsletter. it speaks a lot that taller San Jose is able to remain a presence in the community. it’s not easy to get kids placed, but, somehow they still manage it.”

taller San Jose is fortunate to have Dick and regina Hunsaker at our side and is so thankful that they have committed themselves to not only making a difference in the lives of our students, but ultimately in the lives of their children, peers and greater community. the Hunsakers are also grateful that taller San Jose came into their lives, “along the way, we have come to understand that it’s a real gift to allow someone to realize their potential for the first time in their life.”

Today, Krystel and Michael, both 19 and parents of a two-year old son, are young

adults who have clear educational and employment goals. Just a few years ago, their futures didn’t look so promising. “i never would have pictured myself in this position a year ago,” says Michael, a June graduate of taller’s Construction academy.

Michael found out about taller San Jose from his girlfriend, Krystel, who graduated in December from the Clinical Medical assisting program.

Krystal became pregnant with her son when she was a junior in high school. Determined not to be derailed, she graduated with her high school class and, following the advice of the nurse who helped her through her pregnancy, enrolled in taller San Jose. By all accounts, Krystel had a lot to juggle and she relied heavily on her case manager to slowly get her life back on track. Krystel used public transportation to get to and from taller San Jose, but knew that if she was going to even be considered for a job, she needed to have a license. Krystel took advantage of a scholarship from the United way’s women’s Philanthropy Fund to attend driving school. in less than one month she got her license. Soon after, she found full-time work at Pacific Medical Clinic, where she earns $10 per hour. She has also purchased her own car, so now she doesn’t need to rely on anyone to take her to work.

not only is Krystel now employed in a job that offers lots of opportunity for growth, but she is also more confident and self-assured. Her boyfriend, Michael, noticed this change. growing up in Santa ana, he was exposed to a lot of street activity and lacked positive role models. He fell behind in school and had to eventually finish his high school requirements at a local continuation school. Michael had always been interested in construction and tried to get a job with the electrical union, but he lacked skills and experience. He was frustrated because he knew that he needed to find work so that he could support his young family. Krystel encouraged him to apply to taller San Jose’s Construction academy. once in the program, Michael took advantage of the monthly childcare vouchers and participated in life skills classes so that he could be a better father. He excelled in math and earned a few awards at his graduation in June. Michael was immediately hired as a first stage apprentice with the associated general Contractors, earning $15.60 per hour.

when telling new enrollees about taller San Jose, Krystel says, “it’s like a stepping-stone. Don’t stop after you graduate, but keep moving forward.” Krystel and Michael intend to do just that. in the fall Krystel is planning on enrolling in national american University to pursue her a.a. degree and Michael wants to stay with the agC apprenticeship until he becomes a journeyman.

OFFERING HOPE

OFFERING HOPE (cont page 3)

Employer Highlight

Taller Partners with Industry Leaders for Success

Dear Friends,

in the nearly 15 years i’ve been at taller San Jose, i cannot remember a busier time. i’m certain that in those early founding days that Sister eileen must have felt much the same way – discerning how

to best serve the young people

desperate for the opportunity to

make something of their lives while

building the infrastructure to support

those needs. taller San Jose has grown up a lot over the years; and, i see the organization reaching a new level in its maturity that is exciting. the challenge is to manage all that newness in such a way that it can be a catalyst for growth, evolution, and improvement. whether it be taller’s efforts to link graduates to a post-secondary credential or generate employment leads, it will be the strong partnerships we’ve built that make it possible. i feel extremely grateful for the talent and dedication of the staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and many supporters as we move thoughtfully through this process. You encourage me with your steadfast faith in taller San Jose’s mission.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY

Gratefully,

Shawna Smith, CEO/Executive Director

Share our Selves (SoS) Medical Clinic in Costa Mesa is an important partner to taller San Jose’s Medical Careers

academy. Since 2010, SoS has placed seven MCa students in medical assisting externships at its clinic. these externs have worked in their front and back offices and left a remarkable impression.

“we feel that taller has matched us with graduates whose makeup has been ideal for our organization and mission,” says Jeremy elkins, a physician’s assistant at SoS, who oversees their externs. “we’ve also hired taller San Jose graduates because they have demonstrated an admirable work ethic and excellent customer service,” Jeremy continues. Since 2010, SoS

has hired two taller San Jose graduates full-time; Blanca works as a back office medical assistant and ana works in the front office.

Jonathon, a May 2011 graduate of

taller’s Construction academy, has been part of the crew working at the Camp Pendleton Hospital for McCarthy Construction and Clark Construction for more than one year. immediately after he graduated from taller, he was hired as a laborer and, because he did so well during the boot camp, on the written exam and during the interview, the union started him as a 4th period apprentice earning $19.75 per hour plus benefits. Jonathon now has a living-wage career and proudly supports himself and his young family.

“Jonathon has a great attitude and a tremendous work ethic. He is always motivated and gets the job done,” says larry Suggett, Jonathon’s supervisor and the superintendent for McCarthy Construction at Camp Pendleton.

it is because of partners like McCarthy Construction and Clark Construction that taller San Jose is able to effectively train graduates like Jonathon to meet the needs of today’s

employers. not only do these two companies employ our graduates, but they also contribute to the program design by volunteering their time to help with student performance evaluations, serve on the program’s advisory board and host an annual builders lunch (with Hensel Phelps Construction Company) to introduce other potential partners and PCl.

these business partners are a crucial element of taller San Jose’s success in walking young people out of poverty.

Greetings from Shawna Smith

Get Involved

Partner HighlightTaller San Jose Selected Into First PropelNext Cohort

There is never a time when i walk into taller San Jose that my heart does not skip a beat. i am acutely aware that young people first come through this door with backpacks of troubles weighing them down. they are afraid to express hope for fear that they will trip and fall . . . again. i notice the subtle changes in their postures, presence and relationships

throughout the sixteen weeks of the program. i notice when they first begin to laugh. it is a wonder and a privilege to watch hope emerge in a young and fragile soul. i hope that in your giving you know that you have a hand in passing on “the fullness of life” that Jesus spoke of to another – not just passing on “the american dream”, but beauty, goodness, truth and dignity as well. everyone deserves a chance, and at some point in life, everyone needs an “amigo” – thanks for being one. For more information about the Sister eileen legacy Society, please contact Christa Sheehan at 714-543-5105, x112.

Taller San Jose is pleased to announce that it is one of 15 organizations in ten states selected

from among 82 applicants to participate in the first cohort of the edna McConnell Clark Foundation’s (eMCF) PropelNext venture. taller San Jose was awarded a Propelnext grant of $150,000 over 18 months, and will also receive expert strategic consulting assistance to help strengthen its program design and build a performance management system.

“we are delighted to be a part of this first cohort and to have not only this working capital to invest in our organization, but also the support of a long-standing, national organization to help us strategize and grow,” said Shawna Smith, taller San Jose’s executive director. “Ultimately, this partnership will help taller San Jose develop an integrated program to measure and understand its impact.”

PropelNext is a new venture of the prestigious edna McConnell Clark Foundation, which

focuses on disadvantaged youth at greatest risk of failing to reach successful adulthood. Propelnext seeks to advance the programmatic impact of promising, primarily local, youth-serving organizations across the country, such as taller San Jose. “taller San Jose is doing innovative and inspiring work with kids and young adults who desperately need help,” said lissette rodríguez, eMCF’s Director of Capacity Building, who developed and oversees PropelNext. “we are pleased to help this organization ensure, increase and broaden the impact of its work.”

You can help build futures at Taller San Jose by getting involved. Here are just a few ways you can help:

Volunteer Help a young person advance their business skills by volunteering as a Mock interviewer; or, join the Planning Committee and help organize our 16th annual light Up a life gala in 2012. For more information, contact laura Palmer at (714) 543-5105 ext. 123.

Hire a Graduateif your company is seeking trained and reliable candidates, consider hiring a taller San Jose

graduate as your next employee. For more information, contact Meghan Medlin, Job Developer at (714) 543-5105 ext. 138.

DonateSponsor a $1,000 amigo Scholarship, make a gift in honor of someone special, or ask about your company’s matching gift program. any amount that you can generously give will help change a life at taller San Jose. to make a gift, contact abigail Castillo at (714) 543-5105 ext. 121.

Attend Taller San Jose WORKS

get an insider’s tour of the organization – walk through taller San Jose’s 10,000 square foot warehouse, step into a mock medical office, learn about our 7 Steps to Success, and more.

Upcoming tour Dates:

• august 14, 8:30 am

• September 11, 1pm

• october 9, 8:30 am

to rSVP for a monthly tour, or set up a private tour (taller San Jose can also visit your corporate event), contact laura Palmer at (714) 543-5105 ext.123.

Sister Eileen Legacy Society

OFFERING HOPE (continued)

Everybody Needs an AmigoEach year, 200 young people enroll in Taller San Jose looking for a way out of their troubles. We are looking for an Amigo – a $1,000 scholarship sponsor – for each one of them. Here are just a few ways that Amigos helped Krystel and Michael:

• 16 weeks of hands-on training in the Medical Careers Academy and Construction Academy gave them marketable job skills

• Life skills workshops on healthy relationships and parenting helped them strengthen their young family

• Weekly sessions with a case manager helped them keep on track with their goals like getting a valid driver’s license and finding employment

To sponsor a $1,000 Amigo scholarship, please call (714) 543-5105 ext. 121 or visit www.tallersanjose.org

25

50

75

100

125

150

175

200

Goal: 200Student Sponsors

Thank you to our 2012 Amigos:

46Student Sponsors

as of 7/12BUILDING FUTURES

Tony & Ginger Allen

Bill & Helen Close

Jane Duffy

Alex & Susana Fortunati

Jack & Mary Ellen Glaser

Stephen & Chris Haberstick

Frank & Pat Hall

Richard & Jamie Heim

Randy & Barbara Highland

Michele Himmelberg

Ted & Julie Holt

Dick & Regina Hunsaker

Mark Josten & Carolyn Kaump

Hardin King in memory of Mary Scott King

Robert & Jenefer Luckey

Maureen Luebbers

Mary Frances Morgan

Bill & Carol Murin

Bill & Jackie Schlater

Ray & Katie Skelton

Stephanie Sloggett-O’Donnell

Janet Smith

Salvador & Gloria Solis

Elliott & Debbie Sternberg

Kim Sullivan

Jerry & Kathleen Thode

Tony Wagner

Chuck & Annette Walker

Wick Zimmerman & Allison Buck

AGC Apprenticeship Trust

Best Contracting Services, Inc.

Contech Services, Inc.

Letner Roofing, Inc.

Outside the Lines, Inc.

Pan-Pacific Plumbing & Mechanical

Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

The Hoffman Company

Turtle Rock Elementary

Valley Crest Landscape Development

Taller San Jose Board of Directors - Jeffrey Randolph, Board Chair, Shawna Smith, CEO/Executive Director, Alex Fortunati,

Dolores Gonzalez-Hayes, Richard Heim, Tom Honan, Christopher Leo, Sister Eileen McNerney, CSJ, Katie Rodin, Jonathan Segal,

Katie Skelton, Larry Stofko, George Urch, Angela Wergechik, Kevin Wijayawickrama, Dan Young

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange

student employment updateCongratulations and Continued Success to the following:

PresortedStandard

U S PostagePaid

Permit #113Covina, CA

801 N. BroadwaySanta Ana, CA 92701-3423(714) 543-5105www.tallersanjose.org

Find us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/tallersanjose

4

Name Company Title Wage Per Hour

Jennifer ABC Traffic Programs Office Assistant $8.00

Jennifer Meadowmere Assisted Living Resident Assistant $9.50

Jocelyn St Joseph’s Health System Marketing Intern $12.00

Jose Home Depot Customer Service $10.55

Jose So Cal Building Services Laborer $10.00

Karen ABC Traffic Programs Office Assistant $8.00

Khalid Store America Assistant Manager $10.00

Kristen Gateway Urgent Care Medical Assistant $10.00

Kyle Uniglobe Aerospace Inc Shipping/Receiving $8.00

Maggie Taller San Jose Intern Receptionist $10.00

Miguel Hope Builders Laborer $10.00

Nolan HealthCare Partners Medical Assistant $13.00

Omar Authentic Bros Towing Service Technician $8.00

Priscilla O. C. Community Foundation Administrative Asst $15.87

Ramon Abel Merlex Stucco Stucco Sacker $8.50

Randy Arlon Machine Operator $11.50

Reynold So Cal Building Services Laborer $10.00

Ryan Quality Construction Construction Worker $9.00

Samantha Elizabeth Warren CareGiver $11.11

Viridiana Cyber Tech Lighting Co. Data Entry/Receptionist $10.00

Yolanda IHSS *unknown* $11.00

Save the DateSaturday, September 22, 2012

16th Annual Light Up A Life

Honoring

Premier

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Copper

AGC Apprenticeship Trust First American Financial Corporation Insight Investments, LLC JPMorgan ChaseMission Hospital

Paradise Design SARES-REGIS GroupSt. Joseph Heritage HealthcareSt. Joseph Hospital St. Jude Medical CenterRay and Catherine Skelton

Deloitte System Hensel Phelps Construction Co.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.Wells Fargo Bank

Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center Beecher Carlson Insurance ServicesCitivest, Inc.The Conco Companies The Frome Family Foundation The Innovation Institute

Jezowski & Markel/Marne ConstructionMemorialCare Medical Foundation Morley Construction CompanyMurray CompanyPCL Construction Services, Inc.PDC Facilities, Inc.

A.O. Reed & Co. Bergelectric CorporationConvergent Revenue Cycle ManagementFirst Bank

Helix ElectricMorrow-Meadows CorporationPacific Rim Mechanical Contractors, Inc.Woodbridge Glass

ENTER TO WIN

Grand Prize: 2012 Chevy Volt 1 ticket for $100

6 tickets for $500

To enter, call (714) 543-5105 ext. 121

Only 800 tickets are available for entry into the raffle. The drawing will take place at Light Up A Life on Saturday, September 22, 2012. You need not be present to win.

Thank you, Light Up A Life corporate sponsors (as of 7/12). For sponsorship opportunities, call Laura Palmer at (714) 543-5105 ext. 123.