Andrés

Andrés arrived in the United States from Colombia with his wife and two sons, aged 13 and 7, in search of safety and a better future. Violence and persecution forced them to leave everything behind and start over. Upon arriving, they faced many challenges: a completely different culture, a new language, not knowing where to live, and the uncertainty of how to work legally to support their family. 

While living in a shelter, Andrés learned about the Centro de los Trabajadores through the WorkReady program. From the very first moment, he felt he had found a trustworthy place. “It’s a serious organization what they say, they actually do. It was real,” he recalls. 

At the Centro, Andrés participated in several essential workshops: English, computer skills, labor rights, financial literacy, cultural integration, and job interview preparation. But the most transformative step came when he joined the culinary training program offered through MSU, a university that opened its doors to the Latino community. 

“Studying at MSU was a dream come true,” Andrés says emotionally. “I never imagined I would study in this country and have a certificate with my name on it. I couldn’t even make that dream happen back in Colombia.” 

During his classes, he met one of the owners of a local restaurant who was impressed by the students’ skills and offered Andrés a job. That’s how he began working at Catira, where he has now been employed for six months, earning above the minimum wage in Denver—a clear sign of how far he’s come. 

“All of this was possible thanks to the continuous support of the Centro,” he says. “There was always someone guiding me, encouraging me. My case manager was there every step of the way. Without del Centro de los trabajadores, I wouldn’t have studied or graduated.” 

Today, the lives of Andrés and his family have completely changed. Gone are the days of living in shelters and uncertainty. Now they enjoy greater stability and a better quality of life. 

His message to other newcomers is heartfelt: “Be patient, don’t lose faith. Keep fighting, take advantage of every opportunity, and stay close to the Centro de los Trabajadores. That support makes all the difference.” 

When Andrés thinks about what del Centro de los trabajadores means to him, he doesn’t hesitate: “It means everything. They helped change the course of my life. I will always be grateful.”