Like most people, Maria González wants to work and support her family. But with only a third grade education and very little experience, she did not have the confidence or skills she needed to get a job. Many of the people we work with are just like Maria, so Common Hope created our PODER Program, which is an acronym that translates as “Employment Opportunities and Development Program.” The Spanish word poder also means “empowerment” and the objective of this program is to empower people by helping them find good employment.

The program offers a variety of services to families affiliated with Common Hope, like workshops, counseling, and job referrals. Margarita, the program coordinator, also works with a pool of employers who contact her when they have openings.

Maria started participating in our PODER Program in the fall of 2003. Margarita helped her find work as a cleaning lady. But Maria hoped to do more. So she participated in workshops on finding a job, telephone etiquette, writing a resume, and solving conflicts in the workplace. She has also worked with Margarita to improve her math skills.

Now, Maria works in a small café in Antigua. She has learned new skills with this job, like using the cash register and balancing the daily accounts. The owner of the café says he is very pleased with Maria’s work, and she is punctual and responsible and works well with the other employees.

Maria says her children have seen their mother working hard, and they are following her example in their schoolwork by adopting the attitude that “if Mom can do it, so can I!”

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