StreetWise Partners' Trainee Stories: Jorge, David and Karline

"When I first met my two StreetWise Partners mentors, it took me by surprise how much they were willing to help me. I quickly realized that StreetWise Partners is a different kind of program. The skills I learned were very valuable and it was fun going back to my neighborhood passing on the knowledge and teaching others what I was learning. I was a trainee at StreetWise Partners, but on my block I was the mentor! Just four weeks after graduating from StreetWise Partners, I landed a job in my field of interest. Thanks to Streetwise Partners, I have the confidence I need to live the life I envision."

While enrolled in Career Ventures, Jorge met a mentor who connected him with an opportunity in hospitality at the Trump SoHo, a dream job for Jorge.

"StreetWise Partners changed my life! In the program, I learned about effective resume writing (this got me to the door) and interviewing skills (these got me through the door). The network I developed at StreetWise Partners supported me all through the process. My mentors were with me every step of the way and offered a great deal of valuable insight. I am now working for SUNY as an instructional coordinator. I have referred others to StreetWise Partners and they have also had success. StreetWise Partners helped me to create a network of people that I can rely on no matter what the situation. Because of StreetWise Partners, I believe I can do anything I want to do."

David graduated from the Career Ventures program and is employed in a position he finds both challenging and fulfilling. He now refers others who are struggling financially and professionally to StreetWise Partners. To date, David has referred 25 individuals in need from his community.

"There’s a big difference between me now and me before I came to StreetWise Partners. Back then I only had dreams. Now I set goals and I am confident that I will achieve them. My StreetWise Partners mentors helped me to discover my strengths and improve my professional skills. Now not only am I a StreetWise Partners graduate, I am a Public Administration major at John Jay College and also work full-time as an administrative assistant at The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation."

Karline is working full-time and attending college, and she credits her time at StreetWise Partners for these accomplishments. Karline's daughter recently participated in the Career Ventures Young Adults program, and she too will soon graduate from college.