After missing the chance at a Netflix job due to the pandemic, U.S. Veteran Jason Fracaro was looking for guidance to effectively pursue other career options.
Jason visited the America’s Job Centers of California at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in downtown Los Angeles, where he met program supervisor, Herb Thau. JVS SoCal oversees the workforce development programs for Veterans in partnership with L.A. County’s Department of Economic Opportunity.
Herb assisted Jason with job leads, resume help, and a rental assistance grant. He eventually became his mentor. Today, Jason is employed at one of Apple’s retail locations.
“When I met Jason, he was struggling to find employment,” commented Herb. “After a few conversations, Jason decided on his goals and since then, he has been on an upward trajectory. I am thrilled to see how far he has come,” he added.
Before his current role, Jason studied computer science at Arizona State University but left before graduating. He chose instead to serve his country and join the U.S. Coast Guard for its lifesaving, environmental, and law enforcement missions.
After serving four and a half years as a Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class and later as a U.S. Army National Guardsman, Jason used his GI benefits to reenroll in college and pursue a new degree. He went on to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Theater and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Business and Management Studies from Antioch University.
After graduation, Jason worked on and off in the entertainment industry, pursuing jobs that leveraged his computer and entrepreneurial skills. He received a job offer from Netflix just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic, and when production shut down, he realized the entertainment industry would not provide the stability he needed in his life.
He had nothing to fall back on and was worried he might have to sleep in his car.
Fortunately, he learned about JVS SoCal and its Veteran Services program through the Call of Duty Endowment. JVS SoCal partners with private and public funders to provide Veterans with the tools and resources to help them secure high-qualityjobs.
Along with others at JVS SoCal’s Veteran Services, Herb helped Jason secure valuable technical training and a temporary job as a contact tracer during the pandemic.
This provided Jason with the financial stability he needed to continue to apply for better technology jobs. He eventually landed a job with Apple, where he is now utilizing his computer skills as an Apple expert at Northridge Apple’s Genius Bar.
“My story would not have been possible without JVS SoCal—I never felt like I was alone, and they always had my back,” said Jason.
“For the first time in a long time, I have career opportunities and financial stability. JVS SoCal’s commitment to helping Veterans has been a lifesaver.”
If you’d like to contribute to helping veterans like Jason find a rewarding career that combines what they love doing with the ability to earn a good income, consider donating here.