Success Stories

Roberto (not his real name) dropped out of high school to help support his parents and siblings. Realizing that he was not earning enough money and wanting to finish his education, he enrolled in OBT. The 20-week training program re-ignited his love of learning and desire to succeed. Upon completion, he enrolled in New York Drives, a free program from Brooklyn Workforce Innovations that helps disconnected youth obtain a driver’s license. Concurrent with enrolling in the program he began an internship with the Alliance to enhance his workplace skills. At the end of the internship he found full-time employment at a local non-profit.

At 15, Daniela left school after she was raped.  She didn’t report the attack, nor seek medical or counseling services.  At 18, Daniela walked into the SPA office at the urging of her girlfriend who picked up a SPA card at a community event.  After participating in programming for about a month, Daniela discussed her rape with her SPA counselor who facilitated a referral to therapy.

Anthony has been in foster care for four years.  He isn’t sure what he’s going to do once he ages out of the system.  He knows he’ll need to work, but he’d like to go to college, too.  His cousin went through the program at OBT and told Anthony to check it out.