Employment Services Highlights the Story of Andre Dedmon

Picture of our Employment Services team who assisted with these grants and programs.

Back Row, Left to Right: Cody Moore – Educational Coordinator, Erika Arciniega – Educational Coordinator, Maria Trujillo – Trujillo Educational Coordinator
Front Row, Left to Right: Lara Davis Del Piccolo – Occupational Therapist, Kimberly Zuniga- Case Manager, Lilly Diaz – Job Developer, Ricardo Sevilla – Outreach Specialist, Morgan Troiano – Occupational Therapist, Armineh Pannosian- Project Director, Portia Pettigrew- Case Manager, Cesar Perez- Director of Employment Services, Anna Bond- Regional Administrator or Employment and Compliance (not pictured)

When Andre Dedmon walked into Amity Works seeking guidance on his career path, we worked closely with him to identify his interests and skills. Ultimately, the team recommended our Apartment Maintenance Training program, which Andre found both engaging and challenging. After successfully completing the nationally recognized certification exam, Andre was well-prepared to pursue his dream career.

Today, we're thrilled to report that Andre is now managing a five-building apartment complex, earning an impressive $25.00 per hour with full benefits. Thanks to his company's generous benefits package, Andre also enjoys rent-free living in a luxurious loft in the heart of downtown LA. This story is especially meaningful because Andre had never imagined such a bright future for himself, particularly after his experience with incarceration. Andre is thriving in his career and well prepared for the growth and advancement of himself in this high-demand industry.

This story was possible because of the incredible work of our employment services team. Andre was enrolled in the Employment Development Department Equity and Special Populations Grant.

The goal of Amity’s Employment Services team as a whole is to provide training and educational support to students who have histories of incarceration or could be victims of violence in the community. Throughout their training programs, we assist students with their job search and placement. This department is rapidly growing as you can see by the photos of our team above and below. There are a total of 6 programs for these services. Some additional focuses and goals of this team are as follows:

•Collaboration with Workforce Investment Boards

•Collaboration with Community Based Providers

•Vocational Training

•Education Coordination (including Project Rebound, LAUSD, Community Colleges)

•Job Retention and Livable Wages

•Housing Support and Case Management

•Development of ~400 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing

•Housing BSCC Rental Assistance

•Collaboration with CES

From left to right: Leticia Cortez – Employment Development Liaison, Michaela Heaphy – Administrative Assistant, Kiki Chorm- Employment Navigator, Alyssa Rubal – Employment Navigator, Magdalena Crescenzo – Career Coach, Hector Campirano – Employment Navigator, Jarred Bonilla (not pictured) – Program Manager