Manny first joined the Neighborhood family while in high school as part of the first Boys and Men of Color cohort to come through Pathways to Employment. During his time at Neighborhood Thrift, Manny completed Pathways to Employment and obtained a management position at the store. Manny has grown into an emerging leader with Neighborhood, creating positive change in the community he grew up in. He was recently accepted to CSU Fresno, where he is pursuing a degree in Social Work.

Manny’s experience working with the community at Neighborhood Industries is what inspired him to pursue a degree in social work. In Manny’s own words:

“Neighborhood Thrift is one of the greatest learning spaces I have been afforded, not just a job, but a place to find value in myself and help others do the same.”

One of the very first neighbors to work through Pathways to Employment, David Garcia first came to Neighborhood Industries in 2009. He faced many barriers to employment including a criminal record that posed challenges to finding employment. David’s struggles and life experiences created a very negative outlook of the world; he was ready to find a different way. Something special began to happen as David worked through Pathways to Employment, sharing laughs and life lessons with coworkers and case managers, his view of the world changed drastically and became more positive.

With a new outlook, David used his experiences to help others overcome their barriers to employment, which in turn allowed him to continue to grow. David is an example that when you help others, you in turn are helping yourself.

Neighborhood Industries operates its social enterprises as “class rooms for life,” with the belief that a great employee will be a great father, husband, neighbor and friend. This was evident in David’s life as he completed Pathways to Employment and re-entered the workforce, he became a positive force in his home and neighborhood. Nearly 10 years since first coming to Neighborhood Industries, David still works with program participants sharing encouraging words and an infectious smile, helping them to view the world in a positive lens.