Stories of Dignity
Our work changes lives
Learn more about how Career Path Services has helped job seekers reach their goals and become self-sufficient.
Success Story
From Low-English Proficiency to employed Dental Assistant
River City School of Dental Assisting referred Diana Vasquez for their February 2024 class. Diana’s brother called to make an appointment for them to come complete the enrollment paperwork. We set up an appointment to meet at WorkSource. Diana is originally from Peru, and her English level was a one at the time. We tried to help her fill out the paper with her brother as a translator, but she still did not understand what we were asking. After they left, we let River City School of Dental Assisting know that she was not ready to attend training and recommended that Diana get her English level up to a five or six.
In August of 2024, Diana contacted us about the fall class at River City School of Dental Assisting and we scheduled an in-person meeting. Diana came by herself and was able to complete the enrollment documents and did not need a translator. She started her dental assistant training on September 14, 2024, and completed her training on November 16, 2024. Diana’s dental assistant registration was approved by WA Department of Health on November 12, 2024.
When she was first enrolled, she and her three children were living with her parents in Mead, WA. With the help of the CRF Incentive that she received she saved enough money to move out of her parents’ house and was able to get a place of her own with her children.
Diana started working at Children Choice in Dentistry on February 19, 2025, full-time, making $19.00 per hour.
Success Story
Overcoming Odds: Sisters Succeed
In 2023, triplets Rosana, Sandra, and Jasmin moved from Mexico to Washington, facing significant challenges as monolingual Spanish speakers in need of GED and employment services. Unsure at first whether to prioritize education or work, they were encouraged to focus on obtaining their GEDs, which would open doors both professionally and academically. Despite language, transportation, and unemployment barriers, the sisters committed to their studies, supported each other, and quickly completed their GEDs together.
Although placed on a waiting list for English Language Learning courses, they stayed determined. After earning their GEDs, they received career coaching to navigate job opportunities for Spanish or bilingual speakers, while considering local employment options due to transportation challenges. Within weeks, all three secured jobs at a local grocery store where they are now gaining valuable skills and building their careers.
These 22-year-old women overcame significant barriers to achieve educational and career success, and their journey of growth and achievement is just beginning.
Success Story
Support services pave way for job seeker to finish training
Aaron was referred to us by another program within our agency in March of this year. This program was able to provide some support until the training he was interested in fell outside of this program’s resources.
Aaron had been running his own construction business but had not had any work since September of 2024. By the time he enrolled, he was facing serious financial hardship. The other program had already helped with work boots and clothing, but Aaron wanted to pursue construction management training to expand his opportunities. Unfortunately, the program was not listed in Career Bridge.
Recognizing his potential, we looked for other ways to support his training indirectly—by assisting with his rent and providing two months of CRF incentives. This helped offset his expenses and allowed him to focus on completing his coursework.
Throughout the training period, Aaron remained committed to finding employment. He landed an interview with Apex Construction, which led to a promising conversation with the CEO. After a successful second interview and a working interview, Aaron was offered a position on the spot.
On July 1, 2025, Aaron officially started his new role as a Construction Manager at Apex Construction, earning $49.00 per hour.
