From Adversity to Stability: The Story of Wilfredo Chacón
When Wilfredo Chacón arrived in Denver, he brought with him a solid professional background from his career at the Ministry of Labor in Venezuela, but also the challenge of rebuilding his life from scratch in a new country after being forced to leave due to political convictions.
Shortly after his arrival, Wilfredo faced one of the most difficult moments of his life. A serious accident at a shelter caused a severe spinal injury, leading to two emergency surgeries. This experience not only affected his physical health but also his emotional and financial stability during an already uncertain transition.
In the midst of this hardship, Wilfredo found in Centro de los Trabajadores a key opportunity to restart his professional journey. He participated in an intensive Maintenance program, where he received technical training in plumbing, electrical work, drywall, and painting. This training allowed him to transform his prior experience into certified skills aligned with U.S. industry standards.
Beyond technical training, Centro de los Trabajadores provided him with guidance on labor rights, professional development support, and tools to better understand and navigate the U.S. labor system. This support helped him strengthen his confidence, update his professional profile, and prepare for new job opportunities.
The Center also connected him directly with employment opportunities in the construction and maintenance sector, supporting him through interview preparation and facilitating his placement with a company where he currently earns over $27 per hour.
“These trainings gave me the confidence to start over and adapt to a completely different system.”
Today, Wilfredo feels stable and deeply grateful. Despite health challenges and a difficult journey, he has successfully rebuilt his professional life in the United States and achieved stability for his family.
For him, Centro de los Trabajadores was more than a training program—it was a lifeline during a critical moment and a bridge to a new beginning.
His story reflects how support, training, and resilience can turn adversity into a new chapter of stability and growth.
Written by; Noris Castillo