Received $500 scholarship for tools, equipment, tuition, and union dues for Iron Workers
“I was released from prison a year ago and soon discovered the challenges of finding employment for the formerly incarcerated. Before I was released, my wife told me she had been in contact with a woman named Pati, who started a non-profit in honor of her son, Robby, to help people like myself get a career in the trades. This peaked my interest due to my previous welding training that I was unable to complete while incarcerated. As soon as I was released, the Robby Poblete Foundation began assisting me immediately. They put me in touch with a union representative and an interview was arranged with the business agent at the ironworker union hall. There I was provided with the initiation dues and a list of needed tools, which were pricey. The Robby Poblete Foundation offered to cover all expenses to get started, including the initiation fee, tools, and boots. This was an amazingly kind gesture to extend this type of rare and unheard of financial assistance to someone like myself at a critical and pivotal moment in my life as I was still struggling to get on my feet and find my place in society and the working world. Granted, I had to put in my fair share of footwork to find a signatory contractor who would hire me, but I wouldn’t have been prepared to accept work and meet the union requirements without the help of the Robby Poblete Foundation. I am proud to say that I have been an ironwork apprentice for 9 months now and have an established career that allows me to provide for my family, thanks to the critical help of the foundation. With that all being said, I would like to say a very big thank you to the Robby Poblete Foundation. To Pati and all of the financial backers of the Robby Poblete Foundation who believe in its vision. I would also like to thank all of the members involved who keep it running, like Alyssa, and everyone behind the scenes. You have all contributed to my present success and reintegration into society in a very big way. I sincerely hope you all keep doing what you’re doing because you are changing lives.”
Outcome: Participating as a paid ironwork apprentice and has established career in the trades.