Faced with exorbitant business taxes, increasing violence in their community, and threats to their safety, Rene, his wife, and their three-year-old son applied for asylum in the U.S. in 2016. Despite years of working as a doctor in El Salvador, Rene knew that the best next step was to leave everything behind and start over in California.
“I am from El Salvador. I came [to the U.S.] because, at that time, things were really challenging in my country… I was afraid, for that reason, I decided to come here.”
“Yo soy de El Salvador. Me vine porque en ese momento la situación en mi país estaba muy difícil… me dio temor, y por eso decidí venirme.”
Regardless of the uncertainty that came with rebuilding their lives in a new country – including learning a new language, securing stable housing and healthcare, and reestablishing his career – Rene and his family embarked on the daunting journey with resolve. They turned to family, housing providers, and human services organizations like Chrysalis, determined to identify the resources and support they would need to thrive.
While employed as a caregiver, Rene joined Chrysalis’ program and worked with his employment specialist and volunteers to reestablish his career in the medical field. In addition to receiving resume-writing and practice-interview assistance, he obtained professional attire from our resource room and was connected to critical financial support that covered the cost of his CNA courses, work visa, uniform, gas and groceries, and even a month of rent during the height of the pandemic.
“I’ve never turned away from Chrysalis, because I feel supported there…it’s an important place for people who seek to improve themselves.”
“Nunca he abandonado Chrysalis yo, porque siento apoyo allí…es un lugar muy importante para la gente que anda en búsqueda de superarse.”
After living with family for some time, Rene and his wife found out they were expecting a second child. After navigating short-term, temporary housing in various locations, Rene and his family went on to secure an apartment in North Hollywood – a home they have shared for the last five years.
Rene’s principal goal is to continue to provide for his family and illustrate to his children what is possible when one is dedicated to navigating every obstacle. Steadily employed as a CNA for the last several years, he also celebrates recently securing his pharmacy technician license and looks forward to pursuing his certification as an ultrasound technician in the near future.
“There is nothing one can’t overcome. Not age barriers, health barriers, language barriers, not even housing barriers… one can overcome all of that when they put their mind to it.”
“No hay límites para superarse uno. No hay límites de edad, no hay límites de salud, no hay límites de idioma, no hay límites de barreras de que no tengo donde vivir…uno puede hacer las cosas cuando se lo propone.”
At Chrysalis, we know that jobs change lives. But Rene reminds us that, when it comes to transformation, it takes perseverance in every aspect of one’s life. He shares, “It’s a combination of things you have to overcome…you have to keep pushing through. Thank you to Chrysalis for being a pillar of support.”
Dr. Rene is among 8,500 Chrysalis clients who turn to our organization for support each year. Please join us in our efforts to build a stronger workforce – every dollar helps us change lives!