After completing weekly workshop sessions, they were partnered with a HUD Housing Counselor, and through her support, they purchased their home in 2024.

Homeownership has provided this couple with more than just a place to live. It’s become a space where they can create lasting memories with their grandchildren and continue growing with the city of Philadelphia!

Learn more about Congreso’s First Time Home Buyer Workshop:

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This school year- long program includes academic support, sports and recreation, Drug and Alcohol Prevention education and STEM exposure. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is ran by Ms. Best.

Inspired by her experience in the STEM afterschool program, Ahleina is now currently pursuing a STEM degree at Drexel University through a full ride scholarship – an opportunity she was able to secure through the support and encouragement of Ms. Best.

“These types of programs are important to the community because I look at myself now and I’ve accomplished so much without even noticing sometimes,” said Ahleina.

For Ms. Best, this program “gives our black and brown people in underserved neighborhoods an opportunity to be empowered.”

“Our kids aren’t just the future, they are the present!”

Learn more about Congreso’s Afterschool and summer programs:

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Congreso’s EMT program is 15 week course that enables students to acquire the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification.

While enrolled in the program, Tatyana came across personal challenges such as having to take care of her siblings, reducing her hours at work, and at one moment, unstable housing.

“There was a point during the program where I was faced with some housing instability, I really felt discouraged and felt like I wasn’t going to be able to finish the program.”

However, thanks to the relationship she had built with the Congreso EMT instructor, help soon arrived.

“Congreso was able to help me with rental assistance… they provided me with a stipend for me to give to my landlord. That relieved a lot of my stress.”

Brendi Lopez, Congreso’s Housing Counselor Manager, reiterates how important it is that Congreso provides holistic services to the community.

“Students who are enrolled in our education and workforce programs sometimes find themselves struggling in other areas of life… together with our program instructors, we try to reassure the students that we are here to help holistically.”

Tatyana’s success in the EMT program allowed her to “get her foot through the door” in the health field – she now works at Jefferson Hospital.

“I think programs like this can instill hope and trust back into the community because we can get assistance with education, housing, you name it… it makes a difference in our lives.”

Learn more about Congreso’s EMT & Housing programs:

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Learn more about Congreso’s East Division Crime Victim services:

Learn more about Congreso’s Domestic Violence services:

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Learn more about Congreso’s Health Center:

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When it came time for Sujei to interview in front of the program selection panel, she immediately impressed all as she had already secured a Class-A permit and a Hazmat endorsement – based her own studying efforts. Furthermore, Sujei shared that she was fully prepared to secure a long haul Tractor Trailer driving job immediately upon graduation which is a huge undertaking especially for mothers. 

Sujei was selected as a finalist and enrolled in the CDL-A program on February 28. 2022.  Sujei’s performance as a student was extraordinary – graduating within six weeks of program enrollment – becoming the first in her class to graduate. 

Sujei is currently a Tractor Trailer Driver with some of the most reputable Transport Companies in the industry.  

Learn more about Congreso’s CDL program:

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They knew about what Congreso had to offer and encouraged her to seek out our services. She was looking to make her dream of being a homeowner a reality.

Being from Peru, Ana and her husband faced various challenges navigating new systems in the US. Luckily, Congreso’s housing team was able to support Ana through every step of the process.

The timing was critical as the pandemic affected Ana and her family with rent prices rising and hours at work decreasing.

The housing program was able to provide both education on the homebuying process and financial assistance.

Congreso was thrilled to support Ana to experience the American dream of owning her own home. Now, she doesn’t have to continue worrying about the rising cost of rent.

To learn more about our housing program, visit their page with the link below:

The post Ana Ikeda Successfully Purchases her First Home appeared first on Congreso de Latinos Unidos.

Due to continued success year after year, and with partnership support from All-State Career, Smith & Soloman, and AAA School of Trucking, Congreso’s CDL program can now offer 129 training slots!

Our trucking program is now the primary contact for all Philadelphia residents interested in trucking careers via PA CareerLink.

In FY21, two graduates – Humberto De La Cruz, 36, and Luis Encarnacion, 33, – started their own transport company. 

Luis, the founder and owner, has named the company LE Trucking and Transportation LLC. The two graduates haul construction and electrical supplies to various union construction sites throughout the region. 

They recently invested in an additional truck that will allow them to secure new contracts and, ultimately, expand the business. 

When asked about future goals, Luis was quick and happy to share that he would like to become an employer partner of Congreso’s “Careers in Trucking” program. He wants to give other new graduates the opportunity to begin their own trucking careers and help them become owner operators someday too.

To learn more about our CDL Program, visit the link below:

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KCAPA is a performing arts high school serving grades 9-12 in North Philadelphia.

Éxito supported youth that were struggling and off-track from graduating with case management services.

In 2021, Research for Action published a report demonstrating the program’s successful outcomes and positive impact on high school completion.

Read the full report here:

RFA – Five Year Summary of Evaluation Results from Congreso’s Éxito ProgramDownload

With Éxito’s guidance and resources, students involved were 37% more likely to graduate on time compared to off-track students not in the program.

Many of the graduating Éxito students have moved on to college or trade school.

At this time, Congreso is looking for opportunities to expand the Éxito program in current and additional schools.

The post Éxito Program Proves Pivotal to High School Completion & Student Success appeared first on Congreso de Latinos Unidos.

Since the program started in January 2020, 57 students have successfully completed the program at Congreso.

HSP proved successful when Taryn Hilton, a member of the program’s first class, joined the Congreso Familia!

The traditional college route was not an option for Taryn, and through HSP, she was able to open a door to education, opportunities, and resources.

In September 2021, Taryn was hired as a Data Entry Specialist in Congreso’s ELECT Team. Welcoming Taryn with open arms, HSP allowed her to gain confidence and join the Congreso network.

As a new member of the ELECT Team, Taryn works with pregnant and parenting students. ELECT supports the students with completing high school and accessing resources based on their needs.

To learn more about HSP, visit their page with the link below:

To learn more about the ELECT program, visit their page with the link below:

The post Taryn Hilton Graduates from Human Services Pathway Program & Join’s Congreso’s ELECT Team appeared first on Congreso de Latinos Unidos.