Saul's journey with Neighborhood Industries is a testament to the power of dedication and opportunity. Starting as a Pathways to Employment participant six years ago, Saul's hard work and growth propelled him to become the Neighborhood Street Cleanup Program Supervisor. Today, he serves as the Facilities Manager, playing a crucial role in our operations.

Saul cherishes the relationships he's built with employees and customers. Reflecting on his personal growth, he shares, "Whatever I put my mind and heart to, I will accomplish it."

Saul is a valued team member who ensures everyone feels seen and appreciated. He deeply understands the transformative power of employment, saying, "Employment will help a person feel valued, receiving a paycheck at the end of the week makes a person feel good about themselves." Saul's story highlights the life-changing impact of the opportunities provided by Neighborhood Industries.

Ro didn't see herself staying long when she started the Pathways to Employment program at Neighborhood Thrift in 2018. Now she likes to remind people, "If I can go from where I was to where I am, anyone can do it."

In Pathways to Employment, she struggled with consistent attendance and laughs when she recalls the conversation that made her turn thinks around. "It should have been obvious," she says. "but I had to decide to show up."

She was permanently hired in 2019. Her natural curiosity and problem-solving skills made her a resource people could turn to for guidance and support. She became an invaluable asset, taking on a leadership role in he pandemic-era Fresno Cares Program and offering insight for new employees as a Pathway Navigator. She volunteered to participate in the Rework the Bay Job Quality Project, interviewing co-workers and compiling responses for a research project aimed at improving conditions for low-wage workers and creating pathways for quality jobs across California.

Ro's promotion to production lead in 2023 seemed like a natural next step, with her experience allowing her to bring vital understanding, empathy, and respect to her interactions with the people she manages.

David was one of the first hires for Neighborhood Thrift, and has been with us through 16 years of growth.

After going through some difficult times with his family, David was in need of work and took a job in the Neighborhood Thrift warehouse. As he gained. experience in warehouse operations, it made sense to make David a crucial member of the Neighborhood Recycling team, and to promote him to become our Logistics Manager, where he keeps our trucks on the road, and helps manage warehouse staff to keep all recycling operations running smoothly.

As a manager, David combines his efficient work ethic with a sense of humor and demonstrates what it looks like to fight for the person standing next to you.