When Kitti Torok came to the United States from Hungary in 2020 on a soccer scholarship, she thought she was living the dream. What she did not know was that she also needed a practical way to pay the bills and sustain herself, especially after her job connected to soccer came to an end. Thankfully, JVS SoCal’s ApartmentWorks program would help her discover a new professional path and build a secure future.
Kitti began searching for a career that would provide stability while allowing her to continue playing the sport she loved. A recommendation from a former employer’s HR department led her to ApartmentWorks. At first, she was skeptical. The idea of a free eight-week training program that offered hands-on instruction, career coaching, and direct access to employers seemed too good to be true.
Once enrolled, Kitti quickly discovered the value of the program. ApartmentWorks expanded the maintenance skills she had already developed, helping friends and family renovate homes. She gained deeper knowledge in plumbing, electrical work, drywall repair, and apartment maintenance while also learning interview skills and workplace professionalism.
“To become a maintenance technician requires a certain skill set and a certain mentality,” explains Dave Finney, ApartmentWorks instructor. “In Kitty’s case, for example, her soccer background allows her to think analytically under high pressure and dynamic situations.”
“The program was very effective because I learned new things and gained skills I never had before,” says Kitti. “Even though it was only eight weeks, we learned a lot.”
One of the program’s biggest benefits was its direct connection to employer partners. “Finding a job is not always easy, but ApartmentWorks gave us a chance to meet employers and start somewhere,” explains Kitti.
At the graduation job fair, where students get the opportunity to interview immediately with employer partners, she ran out of time to interview with Community Corporation of Santa Monica. But she applied shortly afterward, and the company called her back, interviewed her, and offered her a job within 15 minutes.
Today, Kitti works as a Maintenance Technician with Community Corporation of Santa Monica, where she enjoys a stable career and opportunities for growth. The position also allows her to continue playing semi-professional soccer, balancing her profession with a passion she has pursued since childhood.
That passion began when Kitti was just four years old. Raised in a family of athletes, she followed in the footsteps of her father and grandparents, who all played professional soccer. Her talent eventually earned her a spot on the Hungarian National Team, where she proudly represented her country for several years before moving to the United States on the soccer scholarship.
Looking back, Kitti credits ApartmentWorks with helping her build both a career and a future. “JVS changed my life by giving me a work opportunity and creating new possibilities for my future,” she adds. “The program gave me motivation and showed me that you can keep going and never give up because there is always another option.”
Kitti’s shared her journey during JVS SoCal’s 27th Annual Strictly Business Dinner with donors, funders, and supporters.
Today, Kitti loves to share her story with new ApartmentWorks students, encouraging them to believe in themselves and take advantage of every opportunity. After all, she had their dreams not too long ago.
If you’re inspired by Kitti ‘s story and would like to help someone else achieve their dream, please donate today.