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A CalWorks Success Story: Hamid’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency
Late last year, Hamid, a father of five, was facing a difficult time. Recently arriving in the U.S., he was up against the challenges many immigrants know well—language barriers, limited work experience, and adjusting to a new culture. But what kept Hamid going was his deep desire to create a better life for his children and give them the opportunities he didn’t have.
Hamid has always loved working with his hands. Back home, he had experience in mechanical work and dreamed of becoming a technician in a shop. But, like many immigrants, finding a job in his field was a struggle. Without U.S.-based experience and credentials, it felt impossible. This made employers hesitant, and the cultural differences were overwhelming. Still, Hamid wasn’t ready to give up on his dream.
Everything began to change when Hamid started working with our Employment Readiness Case Manager, Jawed Latif. With personalized coaching, resume help, interview practice, and exam prep, Jawed was there to support Hamid every step of the way.
“Whenever I called or asked for help, Jawed never said no,” Hamid shared. “He truly helped me every step of the way. I feel like Monument Impact is a strong and steady organization for the community. They always have my back.”
Breaking Through: A Job at Platinum Motors
After months of hard work and unwavering support, Hamid passed his exams and landed a technician role at Platinum Motors. We’re so proud of Hamid. He can now better provide for his five children and create a stable future for his family, which we know is a huge personal victory for him.
Hamid’s success is a powerful reminder that with the right support, anything is possible, no matter the obstacles. It’s also a testament to the strength and work ethic of Concord’s immigrant community, which continues to shape the local economy and culture.
Supporting the Concord Community and Beyond
Concord is home to a vibrant, diverse community, with nearly 30% of the city’s residents coming from countries like Mexico, the Philippines, and Vietnam. For many immigrants, stable employment is the first step toward a better, quality life. But barriers like language differences and limited work experience can make it tough to break into the job market and get settled in.
Through job readiness training, financial literacy programs, and partnerships with local employers, we help community members that walk through our doors, like Hamid, gain the skills and confidence to succeed. By offering the right resources, we’re not only helping individuals become self-sufficient but also strengthening the community as a whole.
“Guiding, educating, and connecting people is at the heart of what we do,” says Jawed Latif. “We’re so proud to support individuals like Hamid, who, with the right resources, overcome challenges and contribute to our community in meaningful ways.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Hamid’s story doesn’t end with his job at Platinum Motors. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter for him and his family. With continued support, Hamid is already setting new goals for his future. Every success, big or small, is a victory for both the individual and the community. As Contra Costa County continues to grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to help individuals like Hamid and their families, regardless of their immigration status, live better, more fulfilling lives.