“I was born and raised in a poor community in the Province of Mindanao, Philippines. My family didn’t have much—our home had bamboo and coconut flooring, no electricity, and no running water—but it was full of love and a deep moral compassion for helping others. Growing up in that environment, I never felt like I was missing anything important. In fact, it inspired me to pursue a career in social work with the Philippine government.
As an adult, my family and I made the life-changing decision to move to America. But when I arrived, I found out that my credentials as a social worker weren’t valid here. It was a tough blow, but I knew I still needed to find a way to help others. After a lot of research, I found CrossPurpose. The program offered a pathway to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), which felt like the perfect way for me to make a meaningful impact again.
After completing the program, I landed a position at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. It’s a world-renowned facility, and I’m proud to say I’ve quickly become a patient favorite because my heart for others shines through in everything I do. Now, with a great career, I can support my family while also working toward my goal of earning a master’s degree in the U.S. to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
I truly believe that none of this would have been possible without CrossPurpose—their program, their staff, and the systems they have in place. They’ve changed the trajectory of my life, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me.”