Before Karina Marroquin enrolled in JVS SoCal’s HealthWorks program, she was in the middle of one of the most demanding chapters of her life. A new mother, Karina had put her career on hold to care for her newborn, unsure of when, or how, she would be able to reenter the workforce. What she did know was that she wanted a future that would allow her to support her family while doing meaningful work.
Karina’s interest in healthcare was deeply personal. She had previously completed a medical assistant course during the COVID-19 pandemic, but family responsibilities made it difficult to enter the field at the time. At the same time, she was seeing first hand how health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol were affecting her father and other family members. “Being the closest to them made me want to learn more so I could help them in whatever they need,” shares Karina.
She learned about HealthWorks through a family connection to JVS SoCal and was immediately drawn to the program, especially because it was offered at no cost, thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters. “I would thank them for donating whatever they can. It gives other people the chance to succeed in a career they’re interested in.”
“When you’re a single parent, you don’t always have the income to pay for nursing classes,” she explained. “That money needs to go to your kids.”
Once enrolled, Karina found that HealthWorks offered far more than she expected. From classroom theory to lab work and hands-on clinical training, the program gave her a strong foundation in patient care.
“Everything stood out to me,” she says. “Learning about dementia, the elderly, and then being able to practice hands-on; it all helped me move forward.”
Today, Karina is a proud HealthWorks graduate with big plans for the future. While she’s eager to begin working with patients — particularly seniors — she doesn’t plan to stop there. Her long-term goal is to continue her education, become a Registered Nurse, and potentially pursue more medical studies.
“I want to keep going,” she adds. “Wherever my career takes me.”
Karina’s journey reflects the true impact of HealthWorks: empowering parents, caregivers, and career changers to build stable futures, and proving that with the right support anything is possible.
If you’re inspired by Karina’s story and would like to help someone else achieve their dream, please donate today.