Success Stories

Aptitude Training Program

The story of Victor Ramirez provides true evidence that success can happen to anyone at any age. Victor graduated from Congreso's Aptitude Program while in his forties. In the Aptitude program, he gained the math skills, life-skills, and job development skills necessary to successfully enter into a trade field. He also realized considerable personal growth and development. He is currently a second year Glacier Apprentice and in two years he will be a journeyman with Eureka Metal and Glass Company. Observing this experience, his nephew remarked,"Determination, desire and dedication are among the many qualities that helped prove my uncle is an intelligent and well skilled man."

United Minorities Achieving Dreams (UMAD) Program

United Minorities Achieving Dreams (UMAD) organized and hosted its first Talent Show to the community at Roberto Clemente Middle School on Friday, January 25, 2002. The members of UMAD planned this event for several months and were very pleased with its success. More than 200 youth and parents attended the event. Acts included salsa dance teams, hip-hop break dancers, singers, and even an 8 year-old poet. All UMAD members participated in organizing and running the event and gained valuable experience that will serve them well as they continue to strive to be effective leaders in their community. UMAD is a leadership group for high school-aged youth. Meetings are held Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 on the 4th floor of Congreso's Somerset office. For more information, please contact William Campbell at 215-763-8870 extension 1420.

Housing Program

Mr. Perez is originally from Brazil. He was told that due to his immigration status he could not purchase a home in the United States. It wasn't until he came to Congreso in February 2002 for a pre-purchase counseling session that he realized that he could become a homeowner. The housing counselor explained the process of home ownership and supported him through the process until closing. Mr. Perez went to settlement on September 20, 2002. With the support of the housing counselor and the client's dedication and motivation he was able to reach his dream of becoming
a homeowner.

Ms. Rodriguez, 57, has been a client of Congreso for many years. She is from Colombia and a single mother of one child. After being part of the welfare system for several years, she was able to become a full time employee at a packing company. She has maintained her job now for five years. Last July, Ms. Rodriguez and one of Congreso's housing counselors explored the possibilities of her becoming a homeowner for the first time. The housing program staff worked with her to help her open a savings account, prepare tax forms, repair her credit, and explore public assistance programs to obtain a mortgage. She was also connected with a realtor who often partners with the program. After several months of work, Congreso presented her case to the bank, which pre-approved her for a $61,500.00 mortgage. In January 2002, Ms. Rodriguez finally became a homeowner!