by Web Admin | May 22, 2018 | News & Updates
Mr. Tony Gallegos was a former member of the SER National Board of Directors. He was a warrior on issues related to the Hispanic/Latino community and advocated for inclusion of all individuals based on ability and character and not the color of one’s skin or culture. A true difference maker, he distinguished himself in both public and private service to the community and our country. He truly believed that all people are created equal and deserve to live with human dignity and individual opportunity. We will miss him dearly and celebrate his many accomplishments on behalf of so many.
You can find Mr. Gallegos’ obituary here.
by Web Admin | May 22, 2018 | Affiliate News, Education, News & Updates, Press Release, SER National Affiliates
It is with great pleasure that Centro CHA Inc. announces receipt of a $40,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation. These funds will provide general operating support for the organization to enhance free positive family and community strengthening services through case-management, workforce development, college access, summer safety alternatives and safe passages, counseling, immigration legal services and referrals to other agencies. Our goal is to reduce violence and promote safe and healthy and sustainable places for children, youth and families to live, work and thrive.
Centro CHA is thankful to the S. Mark Taper Foundation investment to support our mission and work to provide services in the neediest communities of Long Beach.
The S. Mark Taper Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Centro CHA is honored and very proud to be one of the recipients.
Founded in 1989 the S. Mark Taper Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of people’s lives by supporting nonprofit organizations and their work in our communities in the Southern California region. The Foundation conducts one grant cycle each year giving primarily to children and youth, healthcare, social services, employment, education, and environment.
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Quintana, Executive Director
Office Phone: (562) 612-4162
Cell Phone: (562) 900-2409
Fax: (562 612-4164
by Web Admin | May 14, 2018 | News & Updates
After a rigorous search and selection process, SER Jobs is pleased to introduce Sheroo Mukhtiar, MSW, as the agency’s new Executive Director and CEO. With more than 24 years of experience in non-profit management, Sheroo offers a wealth of knowledge and skills, including extensive work with youth and young adults, program implementation, and fundraising. Sheroo’s personal and professional experience make her a great fit for SER.
“I am truly honored to be a part of SER,” said Sheroo. “It aligns perfectly with all of my professional experiences over the years. But more importantly, SER’s mission is my personal calling.
“My journey in the United States, almost 30 years ago, began with limited resources. As a ‘foreign’ student I had to learn basic survival skills while also preparing myself for employment in a competitive environment. It was incredibly challenging, but a support system of people who guided my efforts, inspired, and motivated me to be all that I could be, made a world of difference. Knowing that we can do the same and more for the individuals we serve at SER is exciting, to say the least.”
Sheroo’s professional career began at Boys Town, a national organization providing treatment to severely abused and neglected children across the United States. After nine years of serving as Program Director for Boys Town in Nebraska, California and Florida, Sheroo was named as the first Executive Director of Almost Home, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri. Under Sheroo’s leadership, Almost Home grew from a housing facility for teen mothers into a long-term transitional housing program that empowered young women to achieve their fullest potential while creating a safe and positive environment for their young children. During this time the organization experienced exponential growth, completed a capital campaign, and implemented new programs.
Sheroo was then recruited to serve as the Executive Director of Springboard, an affiliate of Young Audiences, a non-profit organization providing arts-in-education programs to low-income schools. Upon relocating to Houston, Sheroo served as Executive Director for HITS Theatre, and for the last four years, as Executive Director for the Texas region of a national non-profit organization, Playworks, overseeing programming and fundraising efforts, primarily in Houston.
She now looks forward to leading SER’s growth and development to improve outcomes for low-income individuals in the Texas Gulf Coast region.
“I look forward to working with our team of staff and the board as we continue to build SER’s legacy,” said Sheroo. “We have a great culture and strong capabilities that have helped us thus far. Building further is a challenge I accept with ambition and determination, keeping those we serve at the center of everything we do. I am especially delighted to lead SER during this time of transition as we move to our new location and expand quality services in and for our community.”
Sheroo earned a Masters of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Social Work from Nirmala Niketan in Bombay, India. She is a member of Leadership Houston, has served on local nonprofit boards, and continues to explore new possibilities.
Sheroo and her family live in northwest Houston and love traveling, camping, theater, and sports. She especially enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their many pets.
If you would like to welcome Sheroo, she can be reached at Sheroo.Mukhtiar@serhouston.org
These are indeed exciting times for SER and we thank you for your friendship and support!
by Web Admin | May 1, 2018 | Education, Event, Press Release
SER National Hosts First STEM-Focused Community Day
Former NASA Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez to address 2,000+ students
Irving, Texas, March 22, 2018 — More than 2,000 Dallas-Fort Worth area students are expected to participate in SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc.’s first Community Day at Mountain View College on Thursday, May 17, 2018.
Community Day was added as part of SER National’s STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Mathematics) programs and as interest in SER’s year-round Robotics Program has grown. SER’s program is a hands-on educational experience, led by engineering students and professionals. The program also enhances middle and high school students’ academic, technical and leadership skills.
Former migrant worker turned NASA astronaut and engineer Jose M. Hernandez, who decided as a high school senior that he wanted to travel into space, will be the featured keynote speaker. Fernando Rosario, President and Founder of Exeqpath, a leadership development company, also will address the students.
Community Day will follow a two-day SER Robotics & Drone Competition, held as part of SER’s Annual Conference, May 15-16 at the Crowne Plaza-Dallas, 14315 Midway Road, in Addison. This year, 350 students from six area middle and high schools are expected to compete.
Community Day will also feature a job fair, where young people will have an opportunity to apply for jobs, internships and co-ops or work-study programs. Workshops and displays from an array of corporations and the Armed Forces, including the U.S. Army, Naval Academy, Air Force, NASA, CIA, FedEx, Charter, and Comcast will also be presented.
“We believe the U.S. Army and America’s educators have a common goal and we are committed to working together to motivate, educate, train and develop today’s youth to be leaders, decision makers and citizen-contributors that achieve life-long success,” said Lieutenant Colonel James E. Zoizack, Commander for the U.S. Army Dallas Recruiting Battalion. “The Army offers great educational programs such as March2Success and the ASVAB Career Exploration programs.
We have other programs that are anchored in fitness training, leadership, character development, education readiness, internships and STEM programs. These tools are ways the Army gives back to the community and the Nation we serve.”
