REAL SUCCESS STORIES, REAL IMPACT

Joseph has been an enthusiastic member of OPARC for a year, and his passion for cars dates back to when he was just 14 years old!  Despite his initial doubts about ever having the chance to work on cars professionally and earn a living from it, the person-centered planning process at OPARC uncovered his deep-seated goals and excitement for everything automotive. His perseverance and dedication have paid off, as he recently secured an AWE (Adult Work Experience) placement with Discount Auto Repair Center.
At Discount Auto Repair Center, Joseph is thriving in an environment that perfectly aligns with his passion for automotive work. He has eagerly embraced the opportunity to gain experience from professionals who have taught him how to replace brakes, rotate tires, change spark plugs, and even work on suspensions for both trucks and cars. Joseph’s journey highlights the power of determination and the support provided by OPARC’s AWE program. We are immensely proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing where his automotive career will take him next. A big thank you to Discount Auto Repair Center for partnering with OPARC and providing this opportunity. Keep up the fantastic work, Joseph!
Click on the video to hear more about the experience from Joseph himself and his supervisor and Manager at Discount Auto Repair, Steve Arias.
HEAR FROM JOSEPH HIMSELF!

The OPARC AWE Program has been instrumental in providing Serena with valuable skills and opportunities. Persevering through her visual impairment challenges, Serena’s interest in office work led her to a position as an office assistant at the Chino Chamber of Commerce. With the aid of a specialized keyboard provided by OPARC, Serena has been able to navigate her tasks effectively. Her responsibilities at the Chamber have been diverse, and she has learned how to manage their website, respond to inquiries, create name tags, and assist with event setups under the guidance of the Director of Workforce Development at the Chamber, Renee Mehta.
Serena’s cheerful outlook towards her work is evident, as she expresses enjoyment and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. Serena’s story highlights the importance of inclusive workplaces and the impact of accommodations in enabling individuals with disabilities to thrive in their chosen fields. Through OPARC’s support and Serena’s dedication, she has found fulfillment and success in her role at the Chino Chamber of Commerce.

At a very young age, Eric watched and helped his mom bake cookies and prepare delicious meals which developed his lifelong passion for cooking.
Eric joined OPARC in November 2023, referred by the Department of Rehabilitation for individual placement. Eric is taking culinary courses at Chaffey College which along with his fast-food experience helped him land an AWE placement at D’Vine Mediterranean Experience restaurant located in Chino Hills. He is thriving.
Under the supervision of Fady, part owner at D’Vine Mediterranean, Eric is learning to prepare orders, cook, and provide excellent customer service. His journey is a testament to his determination and the support of OPARC’s AWE program. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and excited to see where his culinary path leads. Keep up the fantastic work, Eric!

Meet Brandon and Mike!
Since he was very young, Brandon has shown interest in video games and computers. Not only how to use them, but curious as to how they function.
In February 2024, Brandon got the opportunity to enter the AWE program with Mike Petry, owner of Petry Computer Services. Brandon meets with Mike weekly and has learned so much about computers and IT. Mike has taught Brandon how to better optimize his computer, troubleshoot issues, and enhance cybersecurity measures. He has acquired skills in detecting fraud and phishing emails, and optimizing storage memory and space usage. He is highly enthusiastic about his new knowledge and is committed to learning as much as possible, envisioning a career in this field.
Programs like this, and business partners like Mike, help to nurture interest and highlight different abilities and confidence in areas of exploration. Through person-centered planning, many times these explorations turn into long-term careers.