CHD Staff Member Spotlight: Jaswinder Sandhu

“I am thankful that CHDC recognized my hard work over these past 17+ years and I am eager to demonstrate my capability in my new role. I am able to work with more sites and interact with more people. I really enjoy speaking with tenants at all the sites as well. It is such a joy to be able to make a difference to all locations and learn as well, just as I did at Mahal plaza.”
– Jaswinder Sandhu
Jaswinder Sandhu works as our Affordable Housing Division Director at California Human Development (CHD). Jaswinder began her journey at CHD back in 1990 as an electronics assembly instructor. She taught about 50 students on motherboard assemblies for computers and many of her students proceeded with having successful careers on the PC Board assembly line with Hewlett Packard in Roseville, California. After being with the company for 5 years, Jaswinder had found an amazing opportunity to work with Telepan International Company as a Training Specialist in the Human Resources Department.
Jaswinder worked at Telepan for 7 years and enjoyed the challenges and lucrative pay but she felt that her true calling was to work and help improve the lives of the community. This led Jaswinder to come back to CHD and return as the new Site Manager for our low-income multi-family farm labor housing complex, Mahal Plaza. Jaswinder knows firsthand how hard it is to be a farmworker and to support yourself and your family. Her parents were farm workers and during the summertime, she was also working on the farm to assist them with extra money. Due to her own experience, she had built a strong work ethic and understood the plight of the poor and the determination and will of the individual. Jaswinder has enjoyed doing the work she does for 19 consecutive years now.
Jaswinder’s commitment to the community and excellence in property management has gained her recognition and awards. Jaswinder was recognized as Site Manager of the Year for Farm Labor Housing in the State of California in the following years: 2009, 2011, and 2014. She received the National Award from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development back in 2011 and 2014. The Yuba City Mayor recognized Jaswinder for the Women’s History Month award back in 2020. Jaswinder has many more achievements on her list but we are extremely grateful to have her be part of California Human Development.

A View into Esmeralda’s Life

Esmeralda came to CHD looking for an opportunity to better assist her mom. Esmeralda’s mom is a farmworker, she specifically works in the grape fields. As the second oldest sibling, Esmeralda felt helpless and sad to see her mother get up early in the morning with freezing temperatures. The struggles weren’t better during the hot months because she would sweat profusely, and get sunburnt from the scorching and relentless high temperatures.

Esmeralda’s mom was receiving some assistance from Senior Case Manager, Lorena Sotelo. Through one of the interactions that Lorena had with her mom, she told her about our Work Experience Program (WEX) that Esmeralda could benefit from. Esmeralda’s mom mentioned the program to her and encouraged her to speak with Lorena to proceed.  Esmeralda wasted no time and was beyond excited to apply and see if she qualified to be part of the program. After learning about the WEX Program, she was eager to do her training in our Immigration and Citizenship Program. Unfortunately, life happens and you never know what is coming your way. Esmeralda and her family received some devastating news in regards to Esmeralda’s health. Esmeralda was unable to proceed with the program since she was about to tackle her hardest battle against cancer.

Today, Esmeralda comes out as a survivor and an inspiration because she is cancer-free and determined to take the lead in her life and aspirations. She came back to Lorena to see if she still qualified for the program and there was an opportunity to work in the Administration Department as the receptionist. Esmeralda was grateful that she could once again forge a path to self-sufficiency, but she was a little sad that she didn’t get the opportunity to work in the Immigration and Citizenship Division. Esmeralda’s dedication and efforts were recognized and she was transferred over to the Immigration and Citizenship Division. Esmeralda will be given all the tools and knowledge that she needs to be successful in her WEX training and her path to a better future for herself and her family. CHD is honored to have Esmeralda be part of our team and can’t wait to see how far she goes. Keep on thriving, Esmeralda!

Our Work Experience Program is great because it will allow individuals to gain experience in different fields. To learn more and see if you qualify, contact us!

 

 

The Gutierrez Family

CHD’s Affordable Housing makes it possible for families to have a place to call home better their lives. The Gutierrez family were former residents of our Affordable Housing Complex, Mahal Plaza. Alma and her family moved into Mahal Plaza in November 2016 and moved out in April 2019. During their stay, they lived a very happy life; they had the convenience of everything being so close to the complex. The kids’ school was within walking distance, they had a grocery store and a pharmacy that was around the corner. Having such accessibility is convenient for many of the residents who do not have the means for transportation. The Gutierrez family are so appreciative because having the opportunity to have affordable housing allowed them to prepare themselves to accomplish a dream of theirs. They had the opportunity to save enough money and purchase their first home. They are thankful to the staff who were always courteous and available to help and answer any questions. Also, they send their biggest thank you to all the individuals who make affordable housing possible.
To learn more about our Affordable Housing Division, visit our homepage!

Felipe’s Journey

Everyone comes from different walks of life but we all share one thing in common; we strive for a better life for ourselves and for our loved ones. Felipe is a client who was referred by a friend to come inquire about our services here at California Human Development. Felipe came to the United States when he was 18 years old, and he had a specific goal in mind which was to work with children. Felipe’s dream was to be a positive influence on the youth and children. He remembers back to his first job in Mexico, selling tamales, clothes, and toys, and he would interact with a lot of the kids. He would share his experiences and knowledge with them and saw how they learned from them.

When he arrived to the US, he resided in Ukiah and began to work in the grape industry from pruning to harvesting grapes. He worked long and hard hours six days a week but he was still determined to better himself. After work, he would make time to attend the Ukiah Adult School to obtain his GED and he would attend ESL classes wherever they were offered. After completing his GED, Felipe proceeded to take courses at the Junior College for business, general education, and some more ESL classes.

Unfortunately, Felipe was laid off from his current job and he decided that it was time for him to search for a job that had to do with his passion. He began to search for jobs where he could work with children but was having some difficulties. That is when Felipe found himself at CHD because of his friend’s referral and met with our Case Manager in that area. After the Case Manager interviewed him, she found that he was eligible for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 167 National Farmworker Jobs Program and Temporary Housing Programs. Felipe mentioned that he wanted something where he can work with kids and they were able to connect with the Director of the Ukiah Boys and Girls Club. Felipe had what was needed to be part of the Boys and Girls club. Because he was still unemployed, his family was having financial problems. Thankfully, with the WIOA 167 NFJP program, they were able to assist him with paying for work clothes, and the Temporary Housing program assisted with some of his utility bills.

Felipe was then enrolled in our Work Experience Program (WEX) and he began to gain the skills and experience he needed at the Ukiah Boys and Girls Club. He participated in the Academic Service Program, was introduced to leadership roles where he was able to develop more skills in guidance and mentorship. He worked extremely hard and with his determination, he found a job opportunity at the Ukiah Unified School District. Felipe was assisted and applied for a Teacher’s Aide position. He now works at the Nokomis School and he is pursuing his goal of working with children and guiding them.

At CHD, we truly try to create opportunities for people to better their lives. Felipe, we wish you well and are here for any other services you may need.

To learn more about our services, visit our Workforce Development and Farmworker Services homepage or contact us!