by StreetWise Partners
November 1st, 2025

When Sergey arrived in the United States from Russia in early 2023, he was alone and unsure where to begin. His mother and grandmother remained back home, and while Sergey supported them financially by working in a Russian restaurant, he found himself isolated from the professional world he once knew. “I didn’t understand how to look for a job here,” Sergey recalls. “Everything from the interviews to the culture was completely different.”  

A friend he met while studying English at the library told him about StreetWise Partners, and Sergey joined the Bridge program in Fall 2024, hoping to adapt to the U.S. job market and rebuild his career. At first, he struggled with language barriers and self-confidence, but through mentorship, workshops, and networking sessions, that began to change. 

His mentor, Matt, became a steady source of guidance. “My mentor is always available to review resumes, offer honest feedback, and share insights about professional life in America.”  

“StreetWise gave me the tools and confidence to present myself in the professional world,” Sergey says. “The mock interviews and informational sessions helped me feel calm and prepared.” 

By the end of the program, Sergey had mastered how to speak about his strengths and successfully navigated multiple interviews. In July 2025, he secured a full-time position as an Office Associate at Selfhelp Community Services, a nonprofit serving older adults, combining his administrative skills and bilingual skills with his desire to help others.

Today, Sergey continues to meet with his mentor and aspires to grow into a project management role, improving systems and supporting teams.

“Mentorship is to connect a person from another world to the local reality,” Sergey says. “A mentor is a connector.”

You can be that connection for someone like Sergey. Become a mentor today and help transform a life.