Young Woman Develops Job Skills for a Successful Career

Author

Date

June 1, 2026

Share

“Telamon has helped me achieve my dreams. After obtaining my license as a Pharmacy Technician, I was able to purchase a vehicle and rent an apartment for my family. I am so grateful to Dina and Telamon for helping me to transform my life!”—Zuleyka

Zuleyka and her family lost nearly everything after Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico in the fall of 2017. Destitute and homeless, the family relocated to Maryland to build new lives. Without the means to rent an apartment, they stayed with family members.

As a teenager, Zuleyka and her father worked at a nearby chicken plant that processed raw poultry in order to provide for the family. However, her health quickly declined making the intensity and physical demands of the job unbearable. It was difficult decision for Zuleyka to leave the poultry plant since her family relied on her for financial support. Due to her lack of work experience, she had to take a low paying job at a small, local pharmacy. Zuleyka’s transformation began when she learned about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) at Telamon.

Dina Gonzalez, a Workforce Specialist, introduced Zuleyka to NFJP and the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance Out-of-School Youth Program. These programs offer training and employment services to help people become economically self-sufficient and productive members of the community. Since her father worked in the poultry plant and she met all the requirements, Zuleyka was eligible to enroll.

Through Telamon’s NFJP program, Zuleyka received career counseling and services, and Dina played a key role. Zuleyka discovered that she wanted to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. With the assistance of her case managers, she registered for an online Certified Pharmacy Technician program. After 12 difficult months working and studying at the same time, Zuleyka completed the certification program with honors. Plus, she passed the exam required by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. Now working as a certified Pharmacy Technician, she is a happy and successful wage earner, supporting her family and contributing to her community.


Telamon-TRC’s Workforce & Career Services encompasses a broad array of customized work readiness and job skill training programs, focusing on helping farmworkers, and youth who seek to build skills and career paths. Work readiness and job skill development are often supplemented by language services (ESL), educational support (GED) and includes one-on-one counseling, group workshops and supportive services. Since 1965 Telamon-TRC has helped individuals like you access services that lead to better jobs, better lives, and better communities. Find a Workforce & Career Services program near you today.

June 1, 2026
“At Telamon, I was welcomed with open arms, receiving a credit counselor and a housing coach, Jennie and Amanda. With their help, I was able to fix my credit and raise it a hundred points in six months! I was approved for a loan and purchased a home for me and my sons.” —Nathan 
June 1, 2026
“I would like to thank Telamon and Heather for all of the support and guidance. While I know it was my determination that got me where I am, she kept me motivated and on track — she was the backbone and glue that held it together. She rocks!” 
June 1, 2026
“One day, I hope to rent or buy my own house… that would be a dream come true.” 
June 1, 2026
Leslie Lara is a very dedicated, young woman who has worked hard to accomplish her goals. As a daughter of farmworkers, she saw how her parents suffered financial hardships because they did not have the opportunity to pursue an education. At the age of 17, Leslie Lara enrolled in Telamon-TRC’s Workforce and Career Services, while attending Nash Rocky Mount Early College High School. Since her family worked in agriculture, she qualified for the Nation Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP). With Telamon’s support, she received counseling services to help with her personal, educational and professional development.
June 1, 2026
Fatima Finds Motivation to Become a Homeowner through Telamon’s Bilingual Education Program and House and Financial Empowerment Services 
June 1, 2026
“Telamon Head Start has been a blessing to me.” 
June 1, 2026
There was much promise in moving to the United States and like any other family, we were chasing the American Dream. 
June 1, 2026
“When I was in school, I needed help because I didn’t understand instructions. I felt stupid. Thanks to Telamon’s support, now I feel good about who I am! My Youth Program Specialist was great. When I felt down, she told me how good I was doing at my job, at dealing with stress, dealing with being an adult. She helped me remember my goals. Most of all, she listened when I need someone to listen and she did not judge me.” 
June 1, 2026
“Lo que hago, lo hago de corazón...el apoyo que he tenido me ha cambiado mi vida. [What I do, I do it from my heart.] The support I have had from people like Jorge has changed my life. I was a mother without strength, without knowledge. Through my work in Policy Council, I have realized the full value of the Head Start program.” —Eusebia 
June 1, 2026
"I am grateful for the way I grew up. Every obstacle that my family and I would face together, made me work harder to reach my educational and professional goals. Telamon gave me the resources necessary to be able to reach my goal. They helped me out financially and guided me toward my goals. "
Show More