by Ileana Martinez | Nov 27, 2024 | News & Updates
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we at SER National and our dedicated SER Network of Affiliates pause to reflect on the profound blessings of opportunity, community, and shared purpose that enrich our lives. This year carries special meaning as we mark 60 years of empowering individuals and transforming lives through workforce development and training.
“Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and expressions of appreciation,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO. “At SER National, we come together with a special sense of thankfulness that we live in a country abundant with opportunity. Every life, every person, and every program matters. What makes the people within SER so extraordinary is that they put their heart and soul into what they do every day.”
Founded in 1964 as Service, Employment, and Redevelopment (SER), by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the American GI Forum, SER was created to address systemic barriers faced by underserved communities in accessing employment and educational opportunities. From its inception, SER has championed the mission of equipping individuals with the tools to achieve financial independence and upward mobility. Today, through its extensive network of affiliates, SER continues to embody this legacy, transforming lives and strengthening communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Participants in workforce programs experience an average earnings increase of 20-30% over three years, directly improving financial security for families. Workforce development initiatives reduce unemployment rates by an average of 5%, contributing to a stronger, more competitive labor market. A report from the National Skills Coalition notes that middle-skill jobs, which require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree, make up 52% of the U.S. job market, yet only 43% of workers are adequately trained. Programs like SER help bridge this gap, aligning skills with demand and driving economic growth.
These outcomes reflect the enduring relevance and necessity of SER’s work. Our programs are not only catalysts for individual success but also for strengthening the economic fabric of our nation. From teaching new skills to workers adapting to shifting industries to supporting those embarking on entirely new career paths, SER ensures that no one walks their journey alone.
The 60-year milestone we celebrate this year is a testament to the vision of SER’s founders, who understood that workforce development is essential for unlocking potential and fostering equality. Their legacy endures in the stories of millions whose lives have been touched and transformed through SER’s programs.
“As we celebrate, let us be mindful of the shared strength that comes from working together,” says Salazar. “On this Thanksgiving, may we all be mindful of each other and how we are better and stronger together. Over the past 60 years, we have grown by embracing unity and will continue to carry out the important work ahead. May you spend this day with your family and friends in celebration and peace.”
From all of us at SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates, we wish you a warm and joyous Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey of empowerment and progress.
by Ileana Martinez | Nov 8, 2024 | News & Updates
On this Veterans Day, SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates across America honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of the millions of veterans who have served the United States throughout its history. Veterans exemplify selflessness and commitment to protecting our freedoms and values. Today, we commemorate their past service and recognize their continued impact as community leaders and contributors to our nation’s progress.
“Veterans are the foundation of our nation’s strength—not just through their service in uniform, but through their ongoing roles as mainstay employees, professionals, mentors, and role models in their communities,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO. “We eagerly encourage and welcome their presence among the more than 1 million program participants we serve annually and help integrate back into the civilian sector. Often, they add as a significant source of their employer’s continued growth and success wherever they go,” adds Salazar.
As of 2023, approximately 18.3 million U.S. veterans are living today, representing a diverse group that includes nearly 2 million women whose share continues to grow in the veteran community. Over 78% of veterans served during wartime, demonstrating an enduring commitment to the defense of our nation. Veterans of the Gulf War era now comprise the largest group, with 7.8 million serving from August 1990 to the present (Pew Research Center, 2023).
The economic contributions of veterans are substantial. Their participation in the workforce bolsters various sectors, with veteran-owned businesses alone contributing significantly to the economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that veterans have a higher labor force participation rate than non-veterans and tend to pursue careers in management, professional roles, and public service. These contributions enrich industries and foster innovation and resilience across the U.S. economy (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
Then, there are numerous inspiring examples of veterans who have transitioned into public service roles. Tammy Duckworth, a former U.S. Army pilot and double amputee, is a U.S. Senator advocating for military and civilian initiatives. Similarly, Dan Crenshaw, a retired Navy SEAL, represents Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. The journey of Carlos del Toro, a military veteran who rose to become U.S. Secretary of the Navy, is compelling, too. Each exemplifies how the leadership and discipline forged in military service translate into influential roles that shape national policies.
This Veterans Day, SER National proudly voices its commitment to supporting workforce development and job training programs that empower veterans to thrive post-service. We wholeheartedly unite in gratitude and pledge continued efforts to ensure they find meaningful opportunities and recognition in all aspects of society.
“Let us take this day to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served and continue to serve,” says Salazar. “I encourage all Americans to recognize and support veterans within their families and communities as embodiments of dedication and the principles of this great country. May our future continue to be uplifted and made brighter because of veterans among us,” he adds.
by Ileana Martinez | Nov 6, 2024 | Affiliate News
Centro CHA is in the heart of Long Beach, California, the second largest city in Los Angeles County. The organization serves a growing Latino population in a coastal community contrasted by multi-million dollar homes with ocean views and nearby neighborhoods where families get by on minimum wage essential jobs. Yet, for both layers of the socio-economic strata, Centro CHA brings hope of change for a city with a storied history of opportunity in the Golden State.
“In Long Beach, there’s a misconception of prosperity,” says Jessica Quintana, Executive Director. “We’re addressing disparities through advocacy groups and coalitions, ensuring voices from historically neglected areas are heard. Our strong resident leadership, including women, men, and youths, advocates for justice and equality, making a tangible difference in City Council and beyond,” she adds.
Established in 1992 and officially incorporated in 1999, Centro CHA has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift the Latino/Hispanic community through social and economic development initiatives. At the core of Centro CHA’s ethos lies a commitment to fostering a thriving community where investments in low-income neighborhoods are prioritized and residents are empowered to lead sustainable lives. Their vision extends beyond more service provision; it encompasses a holistic approach to community development that addresses interconnected housing, education, employment, and civic engagement issues. “We have weathered peaks and valleys, facing unique challenges as a Latino-led organization in Long Beach,” says Quintana. “Proudly, our leadership, vision, and team are focused on uplifting our community, especially during crises like the pandemic. When our Latino community was disproportionately hit by economic downturns and faced hardships, our resilient team ensured that essential services continued despite personal risks. Our dedication remains steadfast in providing economic development and immigration support to our seniors, parents, youths, and children,” says Quintana.
Centro CHA’s future is brighter because of a planned Latino Cultural Center. With $4 million earmarked, the organization is making strides towards its realization, alongside a Mercado for economic empowerment and a hub space for workforce development, signaling a new era of ownership and impact.
Unlike other organizations, Centro CHA’s integrated approach ensures that individuals accessing their services are not limited to a single program. Instead, they are welcomed 9 SER America · Spring 2024into a supportive network offering a myriad of resources tailored to their needs. This commitment to holistic support has earned Centro CHA the trust and respect of its community members, fostering long-term relationships built on mutual understanding and collaboration.
Quintana says none of this progress has been by chance. “Our board’s diverse expertise fortifies Centro CHA’s mission. With a retired city manager offering institutional insights, a union leader bringing resources for advocacy and job creation, and an immigration lawyer ensuring compliance with data, is crucial. Our Latino Economic Impact Report revealed the overlooked contributions of our community, demanding overdue reinvestment,” she adds. legal obligations, our team is robust. As our organization evolves, we seek additional talents to bolster our efforts in economic development and immigration services. Together, we navigate challenges and envision a brighter future for our community.”
Economic inclusion serves as a cornerstone of Centro CHA’s work. Recognizing the Latino community’s systemic barriers, Centro CHA tirelessly advocates for equitable access to resources and opportunities. For them, creating a more just and equitable Long Beach is not just a goal—it’s a moral imperative ingrained in every aspect of their organization.
Quintana said leadership has been vital to the organization’s progress. “We were very strategic in organizing a board aligned with our mission and vision, tapping into the wealth of expertise within our community’s strong leaders, many of whom grew up in Long Beach and rose to executive positions. It’s crucial to have leadership deeply connected to the community’s needs and aspirations,” declares Quintana.
Centro CHA’s impact extends beyond its physical location; it reverberates throughout the city, shaping policies and attitudes toward economic and social justice. Through its team’s dedication and community leaders’ support, Centro CHA envisions a future where unemployment rates plummet, neighborhoods thrive, and every resident can reach their full potential.
“Taking control of our future is exhilarating yet demanding,” Quintana admits. “Yet, for the first time, there’s widespread investment in our community’s needs. Advocacy, backed by data, is crucial. Our Latino Economic Impact Report revealed the overlooked contributions of our community, demanding overdue reinvestment,” she adds.
The economic report isn’t just a compilation of data; it’s the cornerstone upon which Centro CHA designs its strategic programming, filling crucial voids in community services. Similarly, the organization’s dedication extends beyond its walls, as local government agencies and partners eagerly await this vital information to inform their initiatives.
“Addressing youth poverty is one of my imperatives,” says Jessica, who grew up in Long Beach. “Schools lack the necessary pathways, and parental guidance is often limited. Leadership is vital in creating and engaging young minds in economic opportunities. Even above minimum wage, the current economy isn’t sufficient, exacerbating economic disparities among young people.”
Through one-on-one relationships with case managers, youths benefit from a roadmap to success and the keys to unlocking their full potential. Whether preparing paperwork for GED courses or navigating financial aid options, Centro CHA is a steadfast companion on every step of the journey.
Similarly, for over two decades, Centro CHA has stood as a stalwart advocate for immigrant rights in the Greater Long Beach community, with a steadfast commitment to empowering its residents. In a world where immigrant rights are often challenged, Centro CHA is a testament to the power of compassion and collaboration in creating a brighter future for all. “The key lies in vigilance, strategic connections, and clarity about our community’s needs,” vows Quintana.
“Promising relationships with local officials, educational institutions, and state entities signal progress. The pandemic exacerbated existing disparities, demanding innovation and intentional action. We must work together for positive change to prevent further marginalization of the Latino community in Long Beach. We can and must deliver the opportunity of a promising future for all.”
