"I just wanted better... Catholic Charities actually coached me and walked me through it."
Jose S., a San Jose resident, knows what it means to face adversity. During his darkest days, he reached out for help. "I was asking for help," Jose remembers. "I needed a stove, I needed some clothes. And [Catholic Charities] actually helped out with that."
But his struggles ran deeper. Jose’s past was marked by hardship and difficult choices. "I was a gang member. I grew up on the streets. I didn’t know better [about] the lifestyle," he shares.
Yet, in seeking assistance, Jose took the first step toward a brighter future.
From the moment Jose S. received support, his life began to change.
Through CCSCC’s Vocational Educational Reentry Services (VERS), a program dedicated to empowering high-risk offenders with the skills and resources to rebuild their lives, Jose discovered a path forward.
The impact was profound. "I have been with Catholic Charities since then," Jose reflects. "Now, I am an employee."
What began as a search for opportunity has become a story of renewal—proof that with the right support, a second chance can lead to lasting change.
Jose’s story is one of transformation—a testament to resilience and the power of support. Eila, a staff member at CCSCC and now Jose’s co-worker, reflects on his remarkable progress: "Jose has been on an incredible journey, from where he's been, to where he is now, and where he is headed."
His personal experience has become a bridge for others facing similar challenges. "His past experience really helps make that connection with individuals coming to us looking for work again," Eila explains. "Especially those newly released from prison."
For Jose, the path hasn’t been easy. "My life was negative before. I still fight some barriers," he acknowledges. But his determination shines through: "I just wanted better... Catholic Charities actually coached me and walked me through it."
Today, Jose’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with support and perseverance, change is possible. His story is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about paving the way for others to do the same.
