I grew up in the Bayview/Hunters Point projects in San Francisco. When I was 17, and pregnant with my son, I didn’t know about resources like HPP. When I got laid off from one of my jobs, I knew I needed a job to raise my family. I applied for and was hired to be a part of HPP’s Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program. The goal of the Training Program is to get the education and skills you need to prepare for the professional workforce. I did an internship with an outside agency while I was in the program, and was hired full-time by that agency to be a Differential Response Case Manager.
Through the CHW program, I gained leadership skills, learned how to be a self-starter and team player, and learned how to create and follow work plans. I also sharpened my communication skills and gained computer proficiency. Besides my full-time job, I’m also enrolled in City College of San Francisco with a goal of earning my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or Social Work. Ultimately, I would like to get my MSW (Master’s degree in Social Work).
I always felt like I could be a leader. HPP helped me fulfill my potential. I want my son to know that whatever cards life may deal you, hard work and dedication will always pay off.
