Meet Aiden

One example of a life transformed by Project Access is Aiden. Aiden is a 19-year-old teen who has participated in our After-School Tutoring and Teen Leadership programs since the age of 7 at our Resource Center in San Jose, California. In addition to being a star athlete and receiving a full scholarship to the University of Redlands, Aiden also worked 30-hours a week at McDonalds during his senior year of high school to support his single mother and his younger brother. His future was completely changed when his mother was diagnosed with cancer, and Aiden put his college career on hold to stay in San Jose and care for her. Despite this challenge, Aiden continues to volunteer and mentor other young teens in the community, and is spearheading the Youth Leadership Committee at the Project Access Family Resource Center in his apartment complex. He continues to work to support his family, and currently attends community college with the hopes of transferring to San Jose State University in the spring to pursue a degree in engineering. Aiden is a leader in his neighborhood and a strong role model for the other youth in the program who are pursuing pathways out of poverty despite facing significant challenges.

* Different photos and names may have been used to protect the identity of our residents.

Meet Joe

Before coming to the Project Access Family Resource Center for help, Joe was in danger of losing his Section 8 housing eligibility because he had not completed the housing re-certification and was facing eviction. He was also struggling with memory loss and was overwhelmed by his accumulating bills. His sense of financial security and peace of mind was rapidly declining. The on-site Services Coordinator reached out to In-Home Support Services for Seniors, Adult and Aging Support Services, the Veteran's Affairs Hospital, and Adult Protective Services. With this help, Joe paid his outstanding bills, citations, rent, and has been able to maintain his financial Independence.

* Different photos and names may have been used to protect the identity of our residents.

Meet Tiffany

Tiffany is a 7 year old girl from our Resource Center in Anaheim, CA. When Tiffany began attending the After-School Program, she was underperforming in math. She could not count past 20 and was unable to add. A language barrier at home prevented Tiffany from getting help so she would never complete any assignments.

After attending the After-School Program on a regular basis, she received homework assistance from Project Access staff. Tiffany is now able to count to 100 and mentally add and subtract double digit numbers. Tiffany's attitude has also changed—she is more confident! Her end of the year report card also reflects her drastic improvement as she went from a 1 to a 3 in math.

* Different photos and names may have been used to protect the identity of our residents.

Meet Ruben

Ruben, a resident at our Resource Center in Oakland, CA is passionate about baking and he is also a certified pastry chef. But instead of living his dream, he was making $8 an hour washing dishes at a diner. It wasn’t enough to buy the things most of us use every day – things like a cell phone or a car. He felt stuck.

But at his Project Access Resource Center, he received job coaching and encouragement from the onsite staff. He decided that he didn’t want, in his words, “to let good dreams go to waste.” He started applying for positions that were more in line with his passion and experience. And his dedication paid off. Ruben landed a job as a baker for Panera Bread complete with benefits and a 401K.

* Different photos and names may have been used to protect the identity of our residents.