Paola moved to the US from Columbia, where she held a degree in accounting. After moving to the Park Avenue neighborhood, Paola became very active in programming at the Park Ave Commons neighborhood resource center. At that time, she was working in a meat processing plant and was determined to position herself for an opportunity to reenter the accounting field. Paola worked extraordinary hard in an effort to reach that goal, including registering for inCOMMON’s ESL program, where she attended multiple nights of the week, and completing inCOMMON’s Local Leader School program. In addition to participating in these programs, she also attended workshops on tax filing, and received career navigation support. Through all of her extraordinary efforts, we are thrilled to share that Paola obtained a position in an accounting firm in 2024!
Paola shares: “My experience with inCOMMON has been wonderful. I am infinitely grateful to the entire team, since I have been able to learn English. I have also been able to share and meet new people both in classes and at community dinners. The walk, the tax activity, and the communication classes were also fun. It has been a great support, since through inCOMMON I was also able to get a better job. They truly are a community that helps us a lot. I enjoy and attend each and every one of the events.”
Stephanie shares a similar story with Paola, but comes from a completely different part of the world – Haiti (one of our favorite things about Park Avenue is how “global” it is!). At the time Stephanie began her involvement at the Park Ave Commons, she too was working in a meat processing plant, as well as experiencing some challenges with her health. Although she was already fluent in French and Spanish, she registered for inCOMMON’s ESL program, with the ultimate goal of a career in the health care industry. inCOMMON career navigators connected Stephanie to the Goodwill Training Center, where she ultimately obtained her CNA (clinical nurse assistant degree). Today, Stephanie is employed as a CNA, which has given her a newfound opportunity to provide for her family and live out her unique giftings for the good of our community!