Family Assistance Program, Shelly

From Setback to Success: Starting Again and Finding Stability 

Shelly’s path to stability wasn’t easy—but it became possible thanks to Family Assistance Program’s Reentry in San Bernardino County project.

After her involvement in the justice system, Shelly faced a series of uphill battles. Like many justice-involved individuals, she encountered limited job opportunities, repeated rejections, and a discouraging lack of livable-wage options. Each setback made it harder to envision a sustainable future.

That cycle changed when Shelly enrolled in the Family Assistance Program, a grantee of our Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment (HIRE) 1.0 program. Backed by more than 40 years of experience supporting victims of domestic abuse, the Family Assistance Program provided Shelly with more than just employment assistance—it offered a renewed sense of direction.

Through individualized career services, Shelly explored pathways that aligned with her strengths and interests. That exploration led her to a new goal: becoming a professional driver. With guidance from program staff, she was connected to Valencia Trucking School, where she received the financial support needed to enroll and complete her training.

The Family Assistance Program offered Shelly a renewed sense of direction.

By December 2025, Shelly had successfully graduated from the program and earned her Commercial Driver’s License. Equipped with in-demand skills and growing confidence, she began applying to trucking companies—opening the door to stable, livable-wage employment.

Shelly’s journey is a powerful reminder that with access to training, supportive services, and meaningful second chances, people can overcome barriers and build new futures. Her story reflects what’s possible when workforce development programs invest not only in training, but in people.