Jimmy’s Journey
Hear from Jimmy Tran about his experience at the San Jose Corps. Gaining skills and forming connections allowed him to develop both professionally and personally, preparing him for his next journey. Jimmy worked on food distribution with the corps during the pandemic, then he worked on recycling programs including mattresses and tires and now he is an electronic waste specialist, performing the important work of properly disposing of the growing amounts of electronic waste that present a significant challenge for the state and beyond. His favorite part of being part of the corps is getting to work with community, meeting new people and gaining skills like learning how to operate a forklift and managing a warehouse and learning to delegate tasks. When he finishes his current rotation, Jimmy says he plans on going to school at Sacramento State College.
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From Corpsmember to Mentor: Adolfo Leyva’s Full Circle Journey at Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps
Adolfo Leyva, now a Senior Recycling Supervisor at Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps (LCC), is a great example of how the program is helping people, changing lives. His story shows how the opportunities provided by Fresno EOC can help someone overcome challenges and become a leader in their community.
Adolfo’s journey started in 2007 when he graduated from the School of Unlimited Learning (SOUL). After spending years in and out of jobs and facing personal struggles, Leyva’s dedication led him to volunteer at a local organization. His hard work was noticed by a mentor who reconnected him with LCC, and soon after, he was offered a job.
“One thing I always share with my corpsmembers is that someone is always watching you. I didn’t have to ask for a job; I was offered a position,” Leyva says. “Work hard, perform well. I used the same work ethic I learned from LCC in my volunteering, and the right person noticed.”
For over eight years, Leyva has been a key part of LCC, recently being promoted to Senior Recycling Supervisor in 2023. In his role, he now gives back to the community that once helped him.
“Working here means giving back to my community and giving back what I was taught by the LCC staff during my time as a corpsmember,” Leyva shares. “I had no work ethic, no education, and I didn’t even know how to read before joining LCC. But going through the program taught me those things.”
What drives Adolfo is his commitment to making a difference in the lives of the youth and young adults who, like him, are working to improve their education and career paths. He serves as a mentor, guiding the next generation of corpsmembers with the lessons he learned through the programs.
Jasmin Vasquez, a current corpsmember, says Adolfo has played a big role in her own journey at LCC. “This has been a great experience. Adolfo is positive, and knowing that he was able to turn his life around not only motivates me but also the others around me,” Vasquez says. “Every day, he always has something motivational to tell us, and the fact that he works alongside us makes it feel more special.”
Jasmin, who aged out of her last educational program, didn’t give up on her goals. She joined YouthBuild Charter High School, received her diploma, and is now working in the Recycling Department to gain experience that will help her start her career after completing the program.
The connection Adolfo has with the corpsmembers is strong. He leads not as a boss but as a role model, showing the values that LCC strives to instill in everyone who comes through its program.
Adolfo Leyva’s story is a powerful reminder of how LCC’s motto Training Tomorrow’s Leaders. Today! —comes to life in the community. By changing his own life, Adolfo is now helping others change theirs, showing that the impact of Fresno EOC’s programs goes far beyond individual success.
Corpsmember Anrice Murcia
In the spring, Oakland Forward produced a video featuring several grantee organizations for local TV station KTOP, which features Operations Intern and Crew Leader, Anrice Murcia. His poise, knowledge, and confidence truly shined through! Anrices performance in the video earned him a spot at Mayor Thao’s Oakland Youth Jobs Roundtable, alongside Josh Fryday, CalVolunteers’ Chief Service Officer. It’s gratifying for the organization to see him grow into such a confident and compelling voice for our movement.Thanks to community and philanthropic support, we can cultivate Corpsmembers as they take their next career steps.
Corpsmember Richard Suarez
Richard Suarez Valdez has been operating a chainsaw, clearing dead trees in the Saratoga foothills with the San Jose Conservation Corps to help prevent wildfires. At 24 years old, he has pushed through some of life’s toughest situations. Raised with his brother by a single mom and homeless during the pandemic, he moved around and dropped out of high school — twice. Then, a friend told him about the Local Conservation Corps and he quit his fast-food job and signed up. “We try to find youth that are in need of that additional support in order for them to be successful,” explains Jonathan Sarabia, who came through the program as a youth and now helps lead it. Richard splits his time between the work and the classroom, where he’s taking geometry and learning communication skills. He is now just four credits away from being able to graduate and is earning enough to keep himself housed, fed and thinking about his bright future. Richard says he’s glad he can benefit the community that helped lift him up when he was down. Watch video
Corpsmember Kyle Kennedy
Urban Corps’ Kyle Kennedy was a guest on Drew Schlosberg’s podcast about innovators in San Diego County, Spotlight On The Community. Sponsored by Mission Fed Credit Union, Kyle talks about the transformative opportunities the Urban Corps provides for young adults.
Listen to the Podcast.
