As a young child, Esteban remembers bathing in a sun-warmed 5-gallon bucket of water at his home in Mexico City. He and his family moved to California in 2000, where they continued to work in agriculture.

Esteban became a single dad at the age of 17. Still picking fruit after high school graduation, he told his uncle he wanted to take advantage of the opportunities available to him and do something bigger.

Esteban has gone from being told that he would not graduate high school because his English was not good enough, to holding multiple degrees and certificates in viticulture. Today, you will find this family man living his dream, working on the beautiful hillsides at Seasmoke Vineyards.

This is Dean. Dean’s journey with the ECHO Workforce Development Kitchen Program is a true testament to how empowerment through learning can lead to life-changing results. Dean gained confidence as he learned the ins and outs of kitchen operations. From mastering dishwashing techniques using a three-compartment sink and commercial dishwasher to taking on food prep and inventory tasks, Dean grew in both skill and self-assurance. After only a month, Dean secured a job at a local brewery—just a short walk from the shelter. What’s more, Dean saved enough income to move into his own housing.

Dana was afraid of her partner because he was unpredictable and dangerous when he was under the influence. Worried about her safety and the safety of her three children, she relocated to San Luis Obispo County to be near her family. When she came to Lumina Alliance, she was seeking services because she did not have a stable place to stay and had been living in her family's living room for the past 8 months. After connecting with Lumina Alliance she worked diligently with an advocate to find a job and enroll her daughters in school and childcare
services. Through the transitional housing program, Lumina Alliance provided the family with a safe place to stay until they can establish permanent housing.

Callers to Transitions-Mental Health Association's crisis line, they often received feedback following the call. Feedback like this:

The person with whom I spoke felt like a real person who genuinely cared and had a lot of empathy. I felt heard and supported. I liked their calm gentle voice (it helped me feel more calm) and that they asked if there was anything else they could do to support me. I left the call feeling better than before it, with a mental health resource I hadn’t heard of before, and a realistic self-care plan for the rest of the day. It was also super helpful that they could txt me the resource info.