Hector: The Success Story of a Young Single Father

As a single parent, Hector was looking for an opportunity to complete his high school education and advance his career to support his daughter. Hector found that opportunity at the San Jose Conservation Corps and Charter School in 2018, where he was able to earn a stable income, gain job skills, and attend school. Hector found the support and flexibility that the Corps offered helped him to not feel overwhelmed, and played a big part in ensuring his success.

As a corpsmember, Hector supported our recycling efforts, which provided him with valuable professional and personal growth that he was able to apply to future careers. Hector went on to gain further job experience working in our emergency shelter operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hector reflects that he “really enjoyed the experience,” and “being able to give back to the community and help out others.”

More of Hector’s highlights from working at the Corps include his AmeriCorps Education Award, volunteering, obtaining certifications, and being able to network, which led him to his next job at HomeFirst as a Resident Coordinator. From there, he was able to work as a Case Manager at Bill Wilson Center, during which time he housed young adults. Hector was motivated to share his experience with other young adults and encouraged them to apply to the Corps.

Hector later returned to HomeFirst as a Case Manager to house veterans. These job experiences allowed Hector to further expand the connection he had built with our community as a corpsmember at the Corps, and the ability to leave a direct positive impact. In addition, Hector found that these experiences helped him on a very personal level, as he was able to almost double his income in just three years. “That really helped me a lot, being able to support my daughter and save money for retirement.”

Hector enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he is currently serving as an Aviation Operations Specialist. Hector shares, “I never really imagined being here, you know, serving in the Marines. I’ve grown so much in the past 6-7 years. I’m very, very proud of myself.”

Hector recommends the Corps to young adults in need of a high school diploma or job experience, stating, “I would definitely recommend the Corps to anyone who has fallen behind in school or doesn’t have enough credits to graduate. If you attend the San Jose Conservation Corps, you get so much experience, and working at a non-profit, working with your community, that’s really going to help you stand out from others.”

Hector’s advice for incoming corpsmembers is to take advantage of any opportunities that come their way. “Take advantage of the job opportunities. Get that scholarship. Do what you’re passionate about.”

One of Hector’s many accomplishments from his time at the Corps is earning scholarships and his high school diploma, which played an instrumental role in opening doors to new opportunities. “Knowing about the Corps really helped a lot, because I was able to go back to school and obtain a full-time job. So I’m very proud of that, being able to be a single dad and have that flexibility to go work and go to school. It made a lot of things possible.”

Hector adds, “I feel like I’ve done a lot for the community and for myself. And you know, being in the Marine Corps is just the beginning.” Hector’s goal after serving the U.S. Marines is to earn a Masters in Social Work. He is currently in the process of completing his Associates degree in Child and Adolescent Development. Hector envisions himself as a case manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the future, which will allow him to continue connecting with our community and leaving a positive impact.