Erwin
Erwin immigrated from Venezuela in search of a better future. He left behind his wife and 7-year-old son—a deeply painful decision, but one made necessary by the political and economic crisis in his home country. Arriving in the United States meant stepping into an entirely new world: unfamiliar language, no place to live, and the urgent need to find work to start over.
While staying in a shelter, Erwin discovered the WorkReady program, which led him to the Centro de los Trabajadores. From day one, he felt something different—a space where commitment and sincerity truly mattered. “I always had faith in God, in myself, and in the dedication of everyone involved in the program. It was all real,” he shares.
Through the Centro, Erwin participated in a range of workshops and classes: English, computer skills, labor rights, financial literacy, cultural orientation, job interview preparation, and later, a culinary training program at MSU University.
“I gained a lot of experience. I learned to open my mind after everything I had been through. I came back to life—I remembered who I am,” Erwin says with gratitude. The cultural trainings helped him not only understand his new environment, but also connect with others going through similar journeys. “You realize you’re not the only one navigating all of this.”
With the guidance of his case manager and preparation for job interviews, Erwin secured a job at Wyman’s, where he has been working for six months. He now earns above Denver’s minimum wage—something he describes as “wonderful.”
The culinary program was more than just training; it was a gateway to professionalism. He learned about food hygiene, allergens, cooking times, and the importance of a dish’s visual presentation. “I learned what it truly means to be a professional in a kitchen,” he explains.
Today, Erwin feels stable and thankful. “The change has been extraordinary. The sacrifice was worth it. Having a job is essential to building long-term financial stability.”
His advice for others beginning their migration journey is simple yet powerful: “Be patient, be respectful, and be disciplined.” And when asked what the Centro de los Trabajadores means to him, he doesn't hesitate: “To me, they are everything. I would call them my “Padrinos” (godparents). They’ve been a guide, a family, a great support.”