Ricardo Arellano exited the Navy after eight years working as an aviation structural mechanic. Like many veterans, he had to look for a new job in a different environment. Back in civilian life, he was able to work in security at a hotel, where he met many celebrities, and he received free meals. But what caught his attention was the technicians walking all around the building, tools in hand, filling work orders. “So that already started my curiosity in getting myself to be a maintenance technician,” remembers Ricardo, who picked up an apprentice program and worked with an electrician for three years.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, he started to run out of work and his wife also became unemployed. But he was able to do side jobs as a handyman, and ultimately went to Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in downtown Los Angeles, where JVS SoCal offers employment services to veterans. In fact, we operate the only site in L.A. County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC) network focused on supporting veterans.
Through JVS SoCal services, he was referred to the ApartmentWorks program. Among many of the supportive services Ricardo received during his training were gas cards, as well as a new set of tools from Harbor Freight Tools. He was also given rental assistance during the program.
“I reached out to my Veterans Resource Center [at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall]. They pointed me to the JVS ApartmentWorks program because of my background and the knowledge I already accumulated while I served,” remembers Ricardo. He honed his skills, learning all the insights of drywall, appliances, electrical and plumbing work, among others.
ApartmentWorks truly changed this veteran’s life. After graduation, he was able to interview with companies that partner with JVS SoCal. He interviewed and was offered a job by Greystar. “Greystar was actually one of the companies that visited us, and they specifically approached me because I was one of the military members of the class. And they asked me: ‘Oh, where do you live… and they told me you know, one of our locations is right by you and we are looking for somebody, so please apply. And that’s exactly where I’m working now,” adds Ricardo.
Besides having a full-time stable job, the biggest benefit Ricardo gets from this career-changing move is being able to provide for his family. He’s the father of an eight-year-old boy and a three-year-old daughter. She has Costello’s Syndrome, which requires therapy several times a week.
“That has worked wonderfully. Thanks to Greystar, I have been able to balance between going to work and spending time with my daughter, my wife was able to take some of those responsibilities as well, so it doesn’t fall under me,” said Ricardo.
If you’d like to help veterans like Ricardo find a career, please donate now.