Linda Eugene came to the Greater Miami Service Corps six months after relocating from Haiti. She states, “My primary reason for joining was to benefit from the scholarships.” After completing her twelve month tenure, she continued in school full-time and worked on a part-time basis. In 1999, she earned her Associate in Arts; in 2002 she attained her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. She did not stop there…in 2004 she earned a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She now works full-time with the Tax Collectors Office and teaches English as a Second Language (ESOL) on a part-time basis.

When Gladis Chacon's grandfather died, her world changed. She and her siblings found themselves on the verge of homelessness. Due to the age of her siblings, they were placed in foster care. Since she was twenty and too old for foster care, Gladis moved into a shelter. That’s when a counselor referred her to the Greater Miami Service Corps. She states, “It was my first real job situation and I could not believe that I was accepted, it was like oh my God they want me?” After twelve months Gladis graduated. She is now gainfully employed with the Miami-Dade County Community Action Agency; she has an apartment and is now working toward obtaining her general education diploma. She states, “The most important thing I learned is that it’s important to be strong and never give up.”

Willie Scott, a young father of three, wanted to make a difference in his life and that of his children. A family friend referred him to the Greater Miami Service Corps. After joining the Corps, Willie quickly demonstrated his leadership ability through his designation as Team Captain. In his role as Team Captain, he was able to learn managerial and administrative skills. Upon program completion, Willie obtained full-time employment with South Miami Hospital, a Baptist Health South Florida affiliate. Willie states, “Greater Miami Service Corps gave me a chance to start over. This job is only the beginning…I intend to enroll in Miami-Dade College to pursue a career in the medical field.”

Elmer Garcia is the third member of his family to attend and graduate from GMSC. After relocating from Guatemala, he was uncertain of what he should do. When he first arrived, his Mom told him about the Greater Miami Service Corps. However, he decided to work for an oriental trading company. After three years without opportunities for advancement, he decided to try the Corps. While enrolled, he earned his general education diploma, increased his English literacy and obtained full-time employment through an internship placement with Energy Programs Division of Miami-Dade County Community Action Agency. He states, “As a result of the program, I am now enrolled in Miami-Dade College to pursue an Associates Degree in Business Administration. The Corps helped put me on the path to achieve my goals.

Donaldson Colin, now a reserve specialist in the army, established two goals…the first, obtain his high school diploma and the second to become a cook. Shortly after leaving high school he was able to obtain his Culinary Arts Certificate from Job Corps. However, he still needed to work on achieving his diploma. When he heard about the Greater Miami Service Corps, he felt he could learn some job skills, earn some money and continue working on his diploma. Upon his graduation from GMSC, he had earned his high school diploma. After graduating, Donaldson worked at the Haitian Television Network and volunteered at the Intel Computer Club House. He also enrolled in Miami-Dade College. In September 2005, he enrolled in the Army Reserve as a cook specialist. Donaldson states, “The people at the Corps care…they supported me not just while I was in the program, but even after I graduated. They helped me to achieve my goals.”

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