Meet our Career and Education Services Department :
Edith Sanchez , Employment Specialist
Erica Siqueiros Sr. Officer of Employment Services.
Our Career and Employment Department provides an array of services including employment preparation, career development assistance, and onsite presentations by numerous local collaborating partners to more than 500 residents and non-residents annually. Courses in adult basic education, GED Classes, English as a second language, and computer skills are also provided.
We sat down with both Edith and Erica to get their insight on the impact Career and Education Services has on our clients and the community.
Edith Sanchez , Employment Specialist:
Q: How does MVK serve our clients through the Career and Education Services Department?
A: MVK serves its clients by assisting them in our computer room with job and house searching, resume building, computer lessons (Excel & Word), Budgeting classes, and Healthy Relationship Classes. We also assist them with filling out different types of applications.
Q: What is your favorite part about working in Career and Education Services?
A: My favorite part about working at Martha’s is helping our clients search for housing and gaining employment. I get to see the excitement and joy on their faces when they walk through the door to share the good news of them becoming employed or getting approved for housing. Even when I assist them with building a resume, they are truly thankful! I see the tears of joy and pure happiness of their accomplishments. We are truly changing lives on a daily basis and the best part is being able to contribute to their accomplishments.
Q: How does this service make an impact in our community and the lives of our clients?
A: Well to be honest every program here at Martha’s Village & Kitchen is very important. On the same note, I can honestly say that all the programs and services we offer here at Martha’s are a huge help to our community that is struggling with homelessness and poverty. In my department, I assist a lot of the residents here and also the public clients.My favorite department is Career and Education, not only because it’s the department I’m apart of, but because I see the change people can make by trying and wanting to change their life for the better. Going into the class every day and not giving up. I see clients that want to give up but I do not let them. I always tell clients “No matter what happens in life there is always a brighter future that will soon come”.
Q: What have you done at MVK that has given you the greatest personal satisfaction?
A: My willingness to go the extra mile for our clients. I have a sense of joy when I see the results from working with our clients like when they find employment, housing, or even when their amazement in resume building. Just to see their joy on their face and being able to help them is the greatest personal satisfaction for me. I enjoy talking to all the clients and checking in on them to see how they are doing. I love coming into work every day knowing that I can help someone turn their life around for the better.
Erica Siqueiros, Sr. Officer of Employment Services:
Q: How does MVK serve our clients through the Career and Education Services Department?
A: Our Career and Education department enables our residents to engage in one on one training with our Employment Coordinator, Edith. Edith helps our residents with basic computer skills such as word and excel, resume building, and cover letters. She also helps with looking for housing, misc. paperwork, and even counseling. This department is crucial to anyone who wants a change in their current situation.
Q: How will your new position work with the Career & Education Department?
A: Once I transition into the Employment Service Department, I will conduct outreach on behalf of MVK, specifically to residents of MVK. Through outreach, I will help create and build relationships with companies and organizations throughout the Coachella Valley. My hope is that these organizations will partner with MVK and think of our residents when they are looking to hire.
Q: How does this service make an impact in our community and lives of our clients?
A: Something most people don’t know about our residents is, they are just like you and I. They have diplomas, work experience, even degrees. They hit a rough patch, but once they entered the program at MVK, they are ready to rebuild their life. Whether that be from starting all over or just moving forward from where they are now. Hopefully I can help send that message and give our residents a great opportunity at a new job and new lives.
Q: What have you done at MVK that has given you the greatest personal satisfaction?
A: Personally, I love coordinating the birthday parties for the children that live at MVK. Some children haven’t had a party, a cake, or a gift while their parents are going through a tough time. During these parties, we see the children’s faces light up with excitement. That for me is worth the hustle and bustle of a non-profit life.