This February’s spotlight highlights Robert Sosa, Employment Specialist for The NOW Program. His words below celebrate this program’s commitment to providing justice-involved individuals an opportunity at new work and a chance to thrive in a lasting manner within the scope of employment alongside a lasting support system.
Furthermore, Robert Sosa states, “It is my pleasure to be a part of this month’s spotlight. A little bit about me: my childhood consisted of gangs and drug violence. This is all I knew. Before, I was raised by a family that dealt with varying addictions, and this environment, in return, led me down the same path. Starting at 13, I began to go in and out of institutions.
When I was 19 years of age, I was given a 10-year sentence. This moment sparked a newly recognized change in me that motivated me to reevaluate my life and the choices I had made and, importantly, revealed that my choices now will impact my family’s future and my own.
Looking at my life through a new lens was my first step in the change process. The birth of my daughter was also a major push for me to evolve personally and value breaking down these cycles. My goal upon my release was to prioritize being a consistent, dedicated father figure and to be there for my daughter, ultimately making my evolution possible; fast forward to my release and the current state.
I came to San Jose without knowing anyone or knowing where to start on this new chapter. Still, I did have a plan to network, learn from the stories of change around me, and remain focused on growth. With the help of Pablo Gaxiola, I started my journey with the NOW Program.
I graduated from the NOW, and one of the most important things I learned during the program was not to allow your past or appearance to define you or the impact you will have in the world from here out. I have realized how much I value wanting to be a helping hand in the community and helping others break their barriers.
Now, I am the Employment Specialist for the NOW Program at Goodwill. I appreciate being part of a dedicated team that enables me to use my experiences, skillsets, and energy to help formally incarcerated individuals transition to permanent employment.
Our team works hard to help guide our participants into new realms of improved life outcomes, bring hope, and help others sustain success. That, to me, is the greatest gift. This program allowed me to grow in my mindset, elevate my outcomes, and witness lasting change in others.”
